Meaning
Used to point out a location or object.
Cultural Background
Pointing with a finger is common but should be avoided when referring to people in formal or respectful contexts. Use a slight head tilt or an open palm. Directions are often given using mountain peaks or valleys as 'tam'. Locals have a keen sense of 'tam' even in low visibility. In the capital, 'Tam je' is frequently used in the context of 'the other side of the Danube' (Petržalka). You might hear 'Tamo je' or 'Tamoj' in certain dialects, which adds a regional flavor to the standard 'Tam je'.
Gesture is Key
Always point or nod when saying 'Tam je' to make your meaning clear.
Plural Check
Don't forget to use 'sú' if you point to more than one thing!
Meaning
Used to point out a location or object.
Gesture is Key
Always point or nod when saying 'Tam je' to make your meaning clear.
Plural Check
Don't forget to use 'sú' if you point to more than one thing!
Add 'Aha'
Say 'Aha, tam je!' to sound more like a native speaker when you find something.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'byť' (je/sú).
Tam ___ moje knihy.
'Knihy' is plural, so we must use 'sú'.
Which phrase would you use to point to a castle on a distant hill?
Pointing to a castle:
'Tam' is used for distant objects.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kde je môj pes? B: Aha, ___ ___ v záhrade!
The garden is usually away from the speaker, so 'tam je' is appropriate.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see your bus arriving at the stop 50 meters away.
The bus is at a distance, so 'Tam' is the correct distal marker.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tu vs. Tam
Common 'Tam je' Targets
Places
- • Obchod
- • Škola
- • Kino
People
- • Mama
- • Kamarát
- • Učiteľ
Objects
- • Kniha
- • Taška
- • Bicykel
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTam ___ moje knihy.
'Knihy' is plural, so we must use 'sú'.
Pointing to a castle:
'Tam' is used for distant objects.
A: Kde je môj pes? B: Aha, ___ ___ v záhrade!
The garden is usually away from the speaker, so 'tam je' is appropriate.
You see your bus arriving at the stop 50 meters away.
The bus is at a distance, so 'Tam' is the correct distal marker.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly natural to say 'Tam je môj brat' (There is my brother).
'Tamto je' is more specific and emphatic, like 'That one over there'.
It is neutral. It's fine for both casual talk and formal directions.
Use 'Tam sú'.
Yes, but it usually means 'It is there' (answering a question) rather than pointing it out.
Yes, in a spatial sense. It can also mean 'to that place' (motion), but with 'je', it's location.
Pointing at objects is fine. Pointing at people can be rude; use a subtle gesture instead.
Use 'Tam bol' (masc), 'Tam bola' (fem), or 'Tam bolo' (neut).
Yes, e.g., 'Tam je ten link' (There is that link).
Usually, you know the noun you are pointing to. If not, you can say 'Tam je niečo' (There is something).
Related Phrases
Tu je
contrastHere is
Tamto je
specialized formThat over there is
Tam sa nachádza
formalThere is located
Kde je...?
builds onWhere is...?
Tam a späť
similarThere and back
