Meaning
Describing distance
Cultural Background
In Slovakia, distance is often perceived through the lens of the landscape. Because of the mountains, 100km can take much longer than expected. 'To je ďaleko' is a common warning given to tourists who underestimate the terrain. There is a strong culture of walking and using public transport. If something is more than a 20-minute walk, a Slovak will likely say 'To je ďaleko' and look for a tram or bus. In villages, 'ďaleko' might be used to describe the next village over, even if it's only 5km away, because social life is very localized. Bratislavans might say 'To je ďaleko' about anything on the other side of the Danube river (Petržalka), reflecting a psychological distance between city districts.
The 'To' is optional
You can just say 'Je to ďaleko' and it means the same thing. 'To je' is slightly more emphatic.
Watch the 'ď'
If you pronounce it as a hard 'd', people will understand, but it won't sound native. Try to press your tongue against your hard palate.
Meaning
Describing distance
The 'To' is optional
You can just say 'Je to ďaleko' and it means the same thing. 'To je' is slightly more emphatic.
Watch the 'ď'
If you pronounce it as a hard 'd', people will understand, but it won't sound native. Try to press your tongue against your hard palate.
Use 'ešte'
Adding 'ešte' (still) makes you sound very natural: 'To je ešte ďaleko' (It's still far).
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about distance.
Múzeum nie je blízko, to je ______.
The sentence says 'The museum is not near, it is far'. 'Ďaleko' is the word for far.
Fill in the missing verb in the phrase 'It is far'.
To ______ ďaleko.
The verb 'byť' (to be) in the 3rd person singular is 'je'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: You want to walk to a city 50km away. Your friend says:
50km is a long distance, so 'To je ďaleko' is the appropriate response.
Complete the dialogue between a tourist and a local.
Tourist: 'Je hrad blízko?' Local: 'Nie, ______.'
The tourist asks if the castle is near. The local says 'No, it is far'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMúzeum nie je blízko, to je ______.
The sentence says 'The museum is not near, it is far'. 'Ďaleko' is the word for far.
To ______ ďaleko.
The verb 'byť' (to be) in the 3rd person singular is 'je'.
Situation: You want to walk to a city 50km away. Your friend says:
50km is a long distance, so 'To je ďaleko' is the appropriate response.
Tourist: 'Je hrad blízko?' Local: 'Nie, ______.'
The tourist asks if the castle is near. The local says 'No, it is far'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if you mean their physical location. If you mean they are emotionally distant, use 'odmeraný'.
'Ďaleko' is 'far', while 'ďalej' is 'further'.
It is neutral. You can use it in any situation.
Add 'veľmi' before 'ďaleko': 'To je veľmi ďaleko'.
Yes, for events in the future: 'Vianoce sú ešte ďaleko'.
Yes, 'Je to v riti' is very common but vulgar slang for 'It's in the middle of nowhere'.
The opposite is 'To je blízko' (That is near).
No, as an adverb in this structure, it never changes.
No, say 'Cesta je dlhá' (The road is long).
Say 'Ako ďaleko je to?'
Related Phrases
To je blízko
contrastThat is near
To je veľmi ďaleko
builds onThat is very far
To je príliš ďaleko
builds onThat is too far
Je to na skok
contrastIt's just a jump away
Na konci sveta
specialized formAt the end of the world
