Meaning
A building that is not new
Cultural Background
In villages, an 'old house' often features a 'gánok'—a covered external corridor. These are highly prized in modern renovations. In cities like Bratislava, 'starý dom' can refer to pre-war 'staromestské' apartments with high ceilings and thick walls. Old houses are often central to folk tales, sometimes believed to be protected by a 'domovik' (house spirit). The term 'pôvodný stav' (original state) is a common euphemism for a 'starý dom' that needs a total overhaul.
Adjective Agreement
Always check the gender of the noun. Since 'dom' is masculine, 'starý' is the correct form.
Czech Influence
Avoid saying 'dům' (Czech); the Slovak word is 'dom'.
Meaning
A building that is not new
Adjective Agreement
Always check the gender of the noun. Since 'dom' is masculine, 'starý' is the correct form.
Czech Influence
Avoid saying 'dům' (Czech); the Slovak word is 'dom'.
Locative Case
When you are inside the house, remember to say 'v starom dome'.
Politeness
If someone's house is old but they are proud of it, call it 'tradičný' (traditional) or 'útulný' (cozy).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'starý'.
Bývam v ______ dome.
The preposition 'v' (in) requires the locative case. For a masculine inanimate adjective, the ending is -om.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct Slovak sentence:
'Dom' is masculine, so the adjective must be 'starý'.
Match the Slovak phrase with its English translation.
Match the pairs:
Basic vocabulary matching.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Kde býva tvoja babka? B: Moja babka býva v ______.
After 'v', we use the locative case: 'starom dome'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Starý vs. Nový
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBývam v ______ dome.
The preposition 'v' (in) requires the locative case. For a masculine inanimate adjective, the ending is -om.
Select the correct Slovak sentence:
'Dom' is masculine, so the adjective must be 'starý'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic vocabulary matching.
A: Kde býva tvoja babka? B: Moja babka býva v ______.
After 'v', we use the locative case: 'starom dome'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it can be very positive, implying charm, history, and solid construction.
It is better to say 'starší' (older) to be polite. 'Starý' can sound a bit harsh for people.
The plural is 'staré domy'.
You say 'v starom dome'.
'Dom' is the physical building; 'domov' is the abstract concept of home.
Yes, that means 'old apartment'.
It is a 'little old house', often used affectionately.
Slovak does not have articles (a/the). 'Starý dom' can mean 'an old house' or 'the old house'.
Yes, 'starý chlieb' means 'stale bread'.
The opposite is 'nový dom' or 'novostavba'.
Related Phrases
nový dom
contrastnew house
rodinný dom
similarfamily house
starý otec
builds ongrandfather
historická budova
specialized formhistorical building
chalupa
similarcottage
