Meaning
A command to stop moving or doing something.
Cultural Background
In the High Tatras, hikers use 'Stoj!' to warn others of falling rocks or dangerous wildlife like chamois or bears. In traditional dances like 'Odzemok', the leader might use commands to tell dancers to hold a pose. The command 'Stoj, kto tam?' (Halt, who goes there?) is a classic phrase used by sentries in Slovak history and literature. Bratislava's public transport drivers sometimes shout 'Stojte!' if passengers are blocking the doors from closing.
The Hand Gesture
In Slovakia, 'Stoj!' is almost always accompanied by an open palm facing the person, just like a stop sign.
Don't be too blunt
Unless it's an emergency, adding 'prosím' (please) after 'Stojte' makes a huge difference in how you are perceived.
Meaning
A command to stop moving or doing something.
The Hand Gesture
In Slovakia, 'Stoj!' is almost always accompanied by an open palm facing the person, just like a stop sign.
Don't be too blunt
Unless it's an emergency, adding 'prosím' (please) after 'Stojte' makes a huge difference in how you are perceived.
Double it up
Slovaks often say 'Stoj, stoj, stoj!' rapidly to indicate extreme urgency.
The 'Stop' Sign
Even though the sign says 'STOP' (international standard), if a Slovak describes the sign, they call it 'značka Stoj'.
Test Yourself
You see a child running toward a busy road. What do you shout?
_______! Ide auto!
'Stoj!' is the urgent command to stop moving.
Fill in the formal version of the command for a group of people.
Páni, prosím, _______ tu v rade.
The plural/formal imperative of 'stáť' is 'stojte'.
Match the command to the situation.
1. Stoj! 2. Prestaň! 3. Stačí!
Stoj is for movement, Prestaň for actions, Stačí for quantity.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
When to say Stoj!
Safety
- • Traffic
- • Falling rocks
- • Danger
Social
- • Wait for me
- • Look at this
- • Hold the pose
Stoj vs. Zastav
Practice Bank
3 exercises_______! Ide auto!
'Stoj!' is the urgent command to stop moving.
Páni, prosím, _______ tu v rade.
The plural/formal imperative of 'stáť' is 'stojte'.
1. Stoj! 2. Prestaň! 3. Stačí!
Stoj is for movement, Prestaň for actions, Stačí for quantity.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's better to use 'Zastav!'. 'Stoj' is for the person driving to stand up, which is impossible in a car!
In an emergency, no. In a normal conversation with a stranger, yes—use 'Stojte, prosím'.
'Stoj' is for physical movement (legs). 'Prestaň' is for actions (talking, hitting, crying).
Use 'Prestaň!' or 'Nestačilo?'.
Yes, it is the imperative of 'to stand'.
Yes, 'Brzdi!' (Brake!) is used as slang for 'Slow down/Stop'.
No, for time we use 'Zastaviť čas'.
The plural is 'Stojte'.
Yes, coaches use it to stop drills or movement.
Yes, it is a very common command for dogs.
Related Phrases
Zastav!
similarStop (a vehicle or process)
Prestaň!
similarStop it / Cease
Vydrž!
builds onHold on / Endure
Nehýb sa!
specialized formDon't move!
Pomaly!
contrastSlowly!
