Meaning
Used when a concept or situation is unclear.
Cultural Background
Slovaks are generally patient with language learners. Saying 'Nerozumiem tomu' will usually prompt them to slow down or use simpler words rather than switching immediately to English. In the capital, people are more likely to switch to English if you say you don't understand. If you want to keep practicing Slovak, follow up with 'Chcem hovoriť po slovensky' (I want to speak Slovak). Dialects in the east (like Východniarčina) can be very different. Even native speakers from Bratislava might say 'Nerozumiem tomu' when visiting the east! In formal Slovak culture, admitting you don't understand is seen as a sign of intellectual honesty. It is better to ask than to pretend you know.
Add 'Prepáčte'
Always start with 'Prepáčte' (Excuse me) to make your lack of understanding sound more polite.
The Dative Trap
Remember: it's 'tomu', not 'to'. If you say 'nerozumiem to', people will still understand you, but it sounds very 'foreign'.
Meaning
Used when a concept or situation is unclear.
Add 'Prepáčte'
Always start with 'Prepáčte' (Excuse me) to make your lack of understanding sound more polite.
The Dative Trap
Remember: it's 'tomu', not 'to'. If you say 'nerozumiem to', people will still understand you, but it sounds very 'foreign'.
Use 'Vôbec'
If you are totally lost, say 'Vôbec tomu nerozumiem.' It signals to the speaker that they need to start from the very beginning.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the phrase.
Prepáčte, ale _____ tomu.
The first person singular 'nerozumiem' is used when you are speaking about yourself.
Fill in the missing object in the dative case.
Nerozumiem _____. (it/that)
The verb 'rozumieť' always takes the dative case, and 'tomu' is the dative form of 'to'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When should you say 'Nerozumiem tomu'?
'Nerozumiem tomu' is used for cognitive confusion.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Tu je vaša faktúra.' B: '_____ tomu. Prečo je taká vysoká?'
The speaker is questioning the high price, indicating they don't understand the invoice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use Nerozumiem tomu
School
- • Grammar
- • Math
- • Instructions
Street
- • Directions
- • Signs
- • Dialects
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPrepáčte, ale _____ tomu.
The first person singular 'nerozumiem' is used when you are speaking about yourself.
Nerozumiem _____. (it/that)
The verb 'rozumieť' always takes the dative case, and 'tomu' is the dative form of 'to'.
When should you say 'Nerozumiem tomu'?
'Nerozumiem tomu' is used for cognitive confusion.
A: 'Tu je vaša faktúra.' B: '_____ tomu. Prečo je taká vysoká?'
The speaker is questioning the high price, indicating they don't understand the invoice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is grammatically correct, but adding 'tomu' makes it sound more natural and complete in most contexts.
Not necessarily, but it is much more informal. Use 'Nerozumiem tomu' with elders or in professional settings.
Because the verb 'rozumieť' is a dative-governing verb. It's just a rule you have to memorize!
Say 'Nerozumiem vám' (formal) or 'Nerozumiem ti' (informal).
Say 'Nerozumiem ničomu.' (Dative of 'nič').
Yes, it is the standard way to express lack of comprehension in literature and news.
Yes: 'Nerozumiem tomu, prečo...' is the perfect way to start that sentence.
It is similar to the Russian 'Ya ne ponimayu,' but the words themselves are different.
The opposite is 'Rozumiem tomu' (I understand it).
Yes, 'Nerozumiem tomu vtipu' is exactly what you would say.
Related Phrases
Nechápem
synonymI don't get it / I don't understand.
Neviem
similarI don't know.
Rozumiem
contrastI understand.
Mám v tom hokej
specialized formI'm confused (literally: I have hockey in it).
