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dôležitý

A1 adjective 13 min read

dôležitý

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips dôležitý in 30 Seconds

Explanation dôležitý in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'dôležitý' is one of the first adjectives you will learn because it is essential for expressing basic needs and priorities. Learners at this stage use it in simple sentences to describe things that matter to them personally, such as family, health, or specific objects. The focus is on the nominative singular forms (dôležitý, dôležitá, dôležité) and basic sentence structures like 'Toto je dôležité' (This is important). You will learn to use it with very common nouns like 'práca' (work), 'škola' (school), and 'domov' (home). The goal is to be able to signal to others when something requires their attention. You might also learn the negative form 'nedôležitý' (unimportant) to express that something doesn't matter. At this level, you don't need to worry about complex declensions, but you should start noticing how the ending of the word changes to match the noun it is describing. For example, you might say 'Moja rodina je dôležitá' (My family is important) or 'Tento pas je dôležitý' (This passport is important). It's a foundational word that helps you build a basic hierarchy of value in your new language.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'dôležitý' in a wider range of contexts, such as describing your daily routine, your job, and your environment. You will start using the comparative form 'dôležitejší' (more important) to make simple comparisons between two things. For example, 'Zdravie je dôležitejšie ako peniaze' (Health is more important than money). You will also become more comfortable with the impersonal construction 'Je dôležité...' followed by an infinitive, such as 'Je dôležité piť veľa vody' (It is important to drink a lot of water). At this stage, you are expected to correctly apply gender agreement in most common situations. You will also encounter the word in more varied social situations, such as making plans with friends or discussing your interests. You might start to use adverbs like 'veľmi' (very) or 'dosť' (quite) to modify the adjective. The focus shifts from just identifying important things to explaining why they are important in a basic way. You will also start to see the word in simple texts, like emails or short news articles, and you should be able to identify the main 'dôležité informácie' (important information) within them.

At the B1 level, you move beyond simple descriptions and start using 'dôležitý' to express opinions, discuss abstract concepts, and participate in more complex conversations. You will become proficient in using the superlative form 'najdôležitejší' (the most important) to identify top priorities. For example, 'Najdôležitejšia vec v živote je šťastie' (The most important thing in life is happiness). You will also start to learn the noun form 'dôležitosť' (importance) and use it in sentences like 'Chápem dôležitosť tohto projektu' (I understand the importance of this project). Your grammatical accuracy with declensions should improve, allowing you to use the word correctly in different cases, such as the genitive or dative. You will also begin to recognize and use synonyms like 'podstatný' or 'významný' to avoid repetition. At this level, you can discuss 'dôležité spoločenské otázky' (important social issues) and provide more detailed justifications for your views. You will also be able to understand the word when it's used in more formal settings, such as a business meeting or a lecture, where it might be used to emphasize key points or strategic goals.

At the B2 level, you use 'dôležitý' and its synonyms with a high degree of nuance and precision. You can distinguish between something being 'dôležitý' (important), 'zásadný' (fundamental), and 'kľúčový' (key) based on the specific context. You are comfortable using the word in complex sentence structures, including those with multiple clauses and various grammatical cases. You can participate in debates and discussions on a wide range of topics, from politics to science, using the word to weigh different arguments and evidence. For example, you might say, 'Hoci je tento faktor dôležitý, nie je jediný, ktorý musíme zvážiť' (Although this factor is important, it is not the only one we must consider). You will also use the word in professional writing, such as reports or essays, where you need to highlight 'dôležité zistenia' (important findings). Your understanding of the word's cultural connotations in Slovakia will also deepen, allowing you to use it more naturally in social interactions. You are also able to identify when the word is being used rhetorically or for emphasis in literature and media.

At the C1 level, your use of 'dôležitý' is sophisticated and contextually appropriate. You rarely rely on it as a catch-all term, instead opting for more precise alternatives like 'relevantný', 'nevyhnutný', or 'esenciálny' when appropriate. You can use the word to discuss highly abstract and theoretical concepts in philosophy, law, or advanced science. You are adept at using the word in formal and academic registers, where you might discuss the 'historická dôležitosť' (historical importance) of an event or the 'strategická dôležitosť' (strategic importance) of a decision. You can also use the word with subtle irony or for specific stylistic effects in creative writing. Your mastery of Slovak grammar means that you use all forms and cases of the word flawlessly, even in the most complex and infrequent constructions. You can also understand and use idiomatic expressions that involve the concept of importance, even if they don't use the word 'dôležitý' directly. At this stage, you are not just a user of the language but someone who can manipulate its nuances to convey precise shades of meaning.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'dôležitý' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You have a deep understanding of the word's etymology and its historical development within the Slovak language. You can appreciate and use the word in all its possible contexts, from archaic literary texts to the most modern technical jargon. You are capable of discussing the 'ontologická dôležitosť' (ontological importance) of a concept or the 'hermeneutická dôležitosť' (hermeneutical importance) of a text with ease. Your use of synonyms and related terms is perfectly calibrated to the desired tone and register of your communication. You can also identify and interpret the most subtle nuances in how others use the word, including its use in political rhetoric, advertising, and high-level academic discourse. At this level, the word 'dôležitý' is just one small part of a vast and expertly managed linguistic toolkit that allows you to express yourself with absolute clarity, precision, and elegance in any situation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

dôležitý in 30 Seconds

Dôležitý is the primary Slovak adjective for 'important', used to express value and priority in all contexts.
The word must agree in gender with the noun it modifies: dôležitý (masculine), dôležitá (feminine), dôležité (neuter).
It is commonly used in impersonal phrases like 'Je dôležité...' (It is important...) followed by an infinitive or 'že' clause.
Comparative and superlative forms are 'dôležitejší' (more important) and 'najdôležitejší' (the most important), respectively.

The Slovak adjective dôležitý serves as a cornerstone of the language, functioning as the primary equivalent to the English word 'important'. Its usage spans the entire spectrum of human communication, from the most mundane daily reminders to the most profound philosophical assertions. At its core, the word signifies that something possesses high value, weight, or significance within a specific context. When a Slovak speaker labels something as dôležitý, they are signaling to the listener that the subject requires attention, priority, or careful consideration. This word is not merely a descriptor; it is a tool for categorization. In a world of infinite stimuli, the word dôležitý helps the speaker and the listener filter what truly matters. In interpersonal relationships, it might denote a person who holds a significant place in one's life. In a professional setting, it highlights tasks that are critical for success. In an educational environment, it points to the fundamental concepts that must be mastered. The versatility of dôležitý is one of its most striking features. It can describe abstract concepts like 'freedom' or 'love', concrete objects like 'keys' or 'documents', and even specific moments in time like 'deadlines' or 'anniversaries'. Understanding the nuances of this word involves recognizing that it is inherently subjective; what is dôležitý to one person may be trivial to another. However, there are universal applications where the word is used to describe health, safety, and basic human needs. For an English speaker learning Slovak, mastering dôležitý is a gateway to expressing value judgments and establishing hierarchies of importance in conversation. It is one of the first adjectives taught at the A1 level because it allows learners to communicate their needs and priorities effectively. Whether you are asking for directions to an important landmark or explaining why you cannot miss a meeting, this word provides the necessary emphasis.

Semantic Weight: The term carries a sense of gravity and necessity, often implying that failure to acknowledge the subject would result in negative consequences.

Subjective Application: It is frequently used to express personal values, such as 'Rodina je pre mňa dôležitá' (Family is important to me).

Objective Application: It is used in official and technical contexts to denote critical components or mandatory steps in a process.

Zdravie je to najviac dôležité, čo v živote máme.

Mám pre teba jeden veľmi dôležitý list od tvojho právnika.

Je dôležité prísť na stretnutie včas, inak zmeškáme začiatok.

Tento historický dokument je nesmierne dôležitý pre náš národ.

V každom vzťahu je dôležitá predovšetkým úprimnosť a dôvera.

Using the word dôležitý correctly in Slovak requires an understanding of grammatical agreement and sentence structure. As an adjective, it must align with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case. In the nominative singular, we see three primary forms: dôležitý (masculine), dôležitá (feminine), and dôležité (neuter). For example, 'dôležitý projekt' (masculine), 'dôležitá správa' (feminine), and 'dôležité rozhodnutie' (neuter). When used as an impersonal predicate, such as 'It is important to...', the neuter form dôležité is always used: 'Je dôležité spať' (It is important to sleep). This is a very common pattern in both spoken and written Slovak. Furthermore, the word can be modified by adverbs to change its intensity. You might hear 'veľmi dôležitý' (very important), 'nesmierne dôležitý' (immensely important), or 'menej dôležitý' (less important). The placement of the adjective typically follows the standard Slovak order, which is before the noun it describes. However, for stylistic emphasis or in poetic contexts, it can occasionally follow the noun, though this is rare in everyday speech. When comparing two things, you will use the comparative form 'dôležitejší' (more important) and the superlative form 'najdôležitejší' (the most important). These forms also follow the rules of gender agreement. For instance, 'Môj brat je dôležitejší ako tvoj' (My brother is more important than yours) or 'Toto je najdôležitejšia kniha v knižnici' (This is the most important book in the library). Understanding how to decline this adjective through the seven cases of Slovak grammar is essential for advanced fluency. For example, in the genitive case, you would say 'bez dôležitého dôvodu' (without an important reason). In the dative case, 'vďaka dôležitej informácii' (thanks to important information). The word is also frequently used with the preposition 'pre' (for) to indicate who or what the subject is important to: 'Je to dôležité pre mňa' (It is important for me). This construction is vital for expressing personal needs and boundaries.

Masculine Agreement: Used with masculine nouns like 'človek' (person), 'deň' (day), or 'dokument' (document).

Feminine Agreement: Used with feminine nouns like 'práca' (work), 'otázka' (question), or 'rodina' (family).

Neuter Agreement: Used with neuter nouns like 'dieťa' (child), 'mesto' (city), or in impersonal expressions.

Hľadáme dôležitý kľúč od hlavnej brány.

Máš nejakú dôležitú novinku, o ktorej by som mal vedieť?

Pre toto dieťa je dôležité cítiť sa v bezpečí.

Musíme prediskutovať dôležité zmeny v našom pláne.

To je ten najviac dôležitý bod dnešného programu.

In the daily life of a Slovak speaker, dôležitý is ubiquitous. You will hear it in the news, where anchors report on 'dôležité politické udalosti' (important political events) or 'dôležité ekonomické reformy' (important economic reforms). In the workplace, managers often emphasize 'dôležité termíny' (important deadlines) and 'dôležité úlohy' (important tasks) to ensure the team stays focused. If you are in a Slovak school or university, teachers will frequently use this word to highlight sections of a textbook that will appear on an exam: 'Toto je veľmi dôležitá kapitola' (This is a very important chapter). In a medical context, a doctor might tell a patient, 'Je dôležité užívať tieto lieky pravidelne' (It is important to take these medicines regularly). Even in casual social interactions, the word plays a major role. Friends might say, 'Mám pre teba niečo dôležité' (I have something important for you) before sharing a piece of gossip or a significant life update. If you are watching a Slovak movie or listening to a podcast, you will notice that the word is often used to build tension or signify a turning point in the narrative. In the realm of customer service, you might see signs that say 'Dôležité upozornenie' (Important notice) to grab your attention regarding changes in service or safety protocols. Public transport announcements in cities like Bratislava often use the term when informing passengers about route changes or delays that are 'dôležité pre vašu cestu' (important for your journey). The word is also central to legal and bureaucratic language in Slovakia. Official documents are often labeled as 'dôležité listiny', and failing to recognize their importance can lead to legal complications. Interestingly, the word is also used in a slightly more abstract way in literature and philosophy to discuss the 'dôležitosť bytia' (the importance of being). Whether you are navigating the complexities of the Slovak legal system, trying to understand a lecture at Comenius University, or simply chatting with a neighbor about their garden, the word dôležitý will be an ever-present part of the linguistic landscape. It is a word that demands attention and respect, and its frequent use reflects the Slovak emphasis on clarity and priority in communication.

In Media: Broadcasters use it to frame news stories and highlight the urgency of current events.

In Education: Used by educators to direct student focus toward core curriculum requirements.

In Bureaucracy: Found on official forms and notices to indicate mandatory fields or critical updates.

V rádiu práve hlásili dôležité správy o počasí.

Šéf povedal, že tento projekt je pre firmu strategicky dôležitý.

Na dverách úradu visí dôležité oznámenie o otváracích hodinách.

Pre každého študenta je dôležité mať dobré študijné návyky.

Môžeme sa na chvíľu porozprávať? Je to dosť dôležité.

For English speakers learning Slovak, the word dôležitý can present several challenges, primarily related to grammar and nuance. One of the most common mistakes is failing to match the adjective's gender with the noun it describes. English speakers are used to the word 'important' remaining unchanged regardless of the noun ('important man', 'important woman', 'important thing'). In Slovak, you must remember that it is 'dôležitý muž', 'dôležitá žena', and 'dôležité vec'. Another frequent error occurs with the plural forms. While the English plural is still 'important', Slovak has different plural endings depending on whether the nouns are masculine animate, masculine inanimate, feminine, or neuter. Specifically, 'dôležití ľudia' (important people) uses the -í ending, whereas 'dôležité dokumenty' (important documents) uses the -é ending. This distinction is often tricky for beginners to grasp. Another common pitfall is the confusion between dôležitý and related words like 'hlavný' (main/principal) or 'vážny' (serious). While an 'important' person might also be a 'serious' person, the words are not interchangeable. For example, 'vážna choroba' means a serious illness, whereas 'dôležitá choroba' would sound nonsensical in most contexts. Similarly, 'hlavná ulica' is the main street, but calling it 'dôležitá ulica' would imply it has some special significance beyond just being the primary thoroughfare. Learners also often struggle with the placement of the word in impersonal constructions. In English, we say 'It is important to...', and in Slovak, you must use the neuter form 'Je dôležité...'. Some learners mistakenly use the masculine 'Je dôležitý...' in these cases, which is grammatically incorrect unless they are referring back to a specific masculine noun. Additionally, the prepositional usage can be a source of error. While English uses 'important to' or 'important for', Slovak predominantly uses 'pre' (for) followed by the accusative case. Using the wrong preposition or the wrong case after 'pre' can lead to confusion. Finally, there is the issue of overusing the word. In English, 'important' is a very common 'filler' adjective. In Slovak, while it is common, speakers often prefer more specific adjectives like 'podstatný' (essential) or 'významný' (significant) in formal writing. Relying solely on dôležitý can make your Slovak sound repetitive and less sophisticated.

Gender Mismatch: Mistakenly using 'dôležitý' for feminine or neuter nouns.

Plural Confusion: Failing to use the animate masculine plural ending -í for people.

Semantic Overlap: Confusing 'dôležitý' with 'vážny' (serious) or 'hlavný' (main).

Nesprávne: To je dôležitý otázka. (Should be 'dôležitá')

Nesprávne: On je dôležitý človek. (Correct, but if plural: 'dôležití ľudia')

Nesprávne: Je to dôležité pre mne. (Should be 'pre mňa')

Nesprávne: Mám dôležitú problém. (Should be 'dôležitý')

Nesprávne: Toto je dôležité informácia. (Should be 'dôležitá')

While dôležitý is the most versatile word for 'important', Slovak offers a rich array of synonyms and alternatives that can add precision to your speech and writing. One of the closest synonyms is podstatný, which translates to 'essential' or 'substantial'. While 'dôležitý' describes something of value, 'podstatný' describes something that is part of the essence or core of a matter. For example, 'podstatná časť' (a substantial part) implies that the part is crucial to the whole. Another common alternative is významný, which means 'significant' or 'prominent'. This word is often used when discussing people, events, or discoveries that have a lasting impact or a high status. You might speak of a 'významný vedec' (a significant scientist) or a 'významný deň' (a significant day, like a national holiday). For situations requiring even more emphasis, you can use kľúčový (key) or zásadný (fundamental/crucial). 'Kľúčový' is often used in business or problem-solving contexts, like a 'kľúčový faktor' (key factor). 'Zásadný' is used when something affects the very principles or foundations of a situation, such as a 'zásadný nesúhlas' (fundamental disagreement). On the more formal side, you might encounter relevantný (relevant), which is a loanword used in academic and professional circles. For something that is absolutely necessary and cannot be avoided, the word nevyhnutný (inevitable/indispensable) is a strong choice. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that best fits the context. For instance, while you could say a meeting is 'dôležité', calling it 'kľúčové' suggests that the entire future of a project depends on it. Conversely, if you are describing a small but necessary detail, 'podstatný' might be more accurate than 'dôležitý'. Learning these alternatives will not only expand your vocabulary but also help you sound more like a native speaker who can navigate different registers of the language.

Podstatný: Focuses on the core essence or a large portion of something. 'Essential'.

Významný: Focuses on status, impact, or historical weight. 'Significant'.

Zásadný: Focuses on principles, foundations, or major changes. 'Crucial'.

Je to podstatný rozdiel, ktorý musíme brať do úvahy.

Štefánik bol významný slovenský politik a astronóm.

Toto je kľúčový moment pre našu spoločnú budúcnosť.

Urobil v tejto veci zásadné rozhodnutie, ktoré všetko zmenilo.

Voda je pre život na Zemi absolútne nevyhnutná.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'ležať' (to lie) is also found in the word 'záležať' (to matter/to depend on). So, something that is 'dôležitý' is literally something that 'lies' heavy on the scale of value.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈdɔːlɛʒitý/

US /ˈdɔːlɛʒitý/

Primary stress is always on the first syllable in Slovak.

Rhymes With

žitý bytý krytý umytý vypitý rozbitý užitý prežitý

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ô' as a simple 'o'.
Shortening the final long 'ý' to a short 'y'.
Mispronouncing the 'ž' as a hard 'z' or 'j'.
Placing the stress on the second or third syllable.
Failing to pronounce the 'ť' as a soft 't' (it's actually 't' before 'i' in this word, which is not softened, but some learners over-soften it).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it appears frequently in texts.

Writing 2/5

Requires attention to gender and case endings.

Speaking 2/5

The 'ô' sound and the long 'ý' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 1/5

Easy to hear due to the distinct first syllable stress.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

je (is) vec (thing) človek (person) dobrý (good) pre (for)

Learn Next

podstatný (essential) významný (significant) rozhodnutie (decision) úloha (task) zdravie (health)

Advanced

prioritizovať (to prioritize) relevantnosť (relevance) hierarchia (hierarchy) zásadovosť (principled nature) naliehavosť (urgency)

Grammar to Know

Adjective-Noun Agreement

Dôležitý muž (m), Dôležitá žena (f), Dôležité dieťa (n).

Comparison of Adjectives

Dôležitý -> Dôležitejší -> Najdôležitejší.

Impersonal Predicates

Je dôležité + infinitive (Je dôležité spať).

Preposition 'pre' with Accusative

Je to dôležité pre mňa (Accusative of 'ja').

Masculine Animate Plural Ending

Dôležití ľudia (animate) vs Dôležité stromy (inanimate).

Examples by Level

Toto je dôležitý kľúč.

This is an important key.

Masculine singular nominative.

Moja rodina je dôležitá.

My family is important.

Feminine singular nominative.

Je to dôležité rozhodnutie.

It is an important decision.

Neuter singular nominative.

Mám dôležitú prácu.

I have an important job.

Feminine singular accusative.

Je dôležité piť vodu.

It is important to drink water.

Impersonal neuter predicate.

Tento dokument je dôležitý.

This document is important.

Masculine singular nominative.

Máš dôležitý list.

You have an important letter.

Masculine singular accusative.

Zdravie je dôležité.

Health is important.

Neuter singular nominative.

Zdravie je dôležitejšie ako peniaze.

Health is more important than money.

Comparative masculine/neuter form.

Je dôležité prísť včas na stretnutie.

It is important to arrive on time for the meeting.

Impersonal construction with infinitive.

Mám pre teba veľmi dôležitú správu.

I have a very important message for you.

Feminine singular accusative with adverb 'veľmi'.

Učenie sa jazykov je dôležité pre prácu.

Learning languages is important for work.

Neuter singular nominative.

To sú dôležité informácie pre turistov.

Those are important pieces of information for tourists.

Feminine plural nominative.

Môj brat má dôležitý test v škole.

My brother has an important test at school.

Masculine singular accusative.

Je dôležité, aby si si oddýchol.

It is important that you rest.

Impersonal construction with a subordinate clause.

Tento liek je veľmi dôležitý pre vaše srdce.

This medicine is very important for your heart.

Masculine singular nominative.

Najdôležitejšia vec v živote je rodina.

The most important thing in life is family.

Superlative feminine singular nominative.

Chápem dôležitosť tohto projektu pre firmu.

I understand the importance of this project for the company.

Noun 'dôležitosť' in the accusative case.

Je dôležité diskutovať o týchto problémoch otvorene.

It is important to discuss these problems openly.

Impersonal construction with adverb 'otvorene'.

Tento zákon je dôležitý pre ochranu prírody.

This law is important for environmental protection.

Masculine singular nominative.

Máme pred sebou niekoľko dôležitých úloh.

We have several important tasks ahead of us.

Feminine plural genitive.

Vzdelanie je pre mladých ľudí veľmi dôležité.

Education is very important for young people.

Neuter singular nominative.

Dôležití ľudia často nemajú veľa voľného času.

Important people often don't have much free time.

Masculine animate plural nominative.

Bez dôležitých dokumentov nemôžeme cestovať.

Without important documents, we cannot travel.

Masculine inanimate plural genitive.

Hoci je tento faktor dôležitý, nie je jediný, ktorý musíme zvážiť.

Although this factor is important, it is not the only one we must consider.

Concessive clause with 'hoci'.

Politici by mali riešiť dôležité spoločenské otázky.

Politicians should address important social issues.

Feminine plural accusative.

Je dôležité, aby sme našli udržateľné riešenie.

It is important that we find a sustainable solution.

Impersonal construction with 'aby' clause.

Tento objav má nesmiernu dôležitosť pre modernú vedu.

This discovery has immense importance for modern science.

Noun 'dôležitosť' with adjective 'nesmiernu'.

Považujem za dôležité, aby sme sa držali faktov.

I consider it important that we stick to the facts.

Complex object construction with 'považovať za'.

V tejto situácii je dôležitá predovšetkým rýchla reakcia.

In this situation, a quick reaction is important above all.

Feminine singular nominative with adverb 'predovšetkým'.

Najdôležitejším cieľom našej kampane je zvýšiť povedomie.

The most important goal of our campaign is to raise awareness.

Superlative masculine singular instrumental.

Venujme pozornosť dôležitým detailom tejto zmluvy.

Let's pay attention to the important details of this contract.

Masculine inanimate plural dative.

Historická dôležitosť tohto miesta je nespochybniteľná.

The historical importance of this place is unquestionable.

Noun 'dôležitosť' as the subject.

Je dôležité dekonštruovať tieto mýty v našej kultúre.

It is important to deconstruct these myths in our culture.

Impersonal construction with a sophisticated verb 'dekonštruovať'.

Strategická dôležitosť tohto regiónu vzrástla po nedávnych udalostiach.

The strategic importance of this region increased after recent events.

Feminine singular nominative.

Pri analýze textu je dôležité zohľadniť dobový kontext.

When analyzing the text, it is important to take into account the historical context.

Impersonal construction with prepositional phrase.

Tento autor kladie dôležitý dôraz na individuálnu slobodu.

This author places important emphasis on individual freedom.

Masculine singular accusative.

Dôležitosť etiky v umelej inteligencii nemožno podceňovať.

The importance of ethics in artificial intelligence cannot be underestimated.

Noun 'dôležitosť' as part of a complex subject.

Je dôležité, aby sme kriticky prehodnotili naše doterajšie predpoklady.

It is important that we critically re-evaluate our current assumptions.

Impersonal construction with 'aby' and an adverbial modifier.

Výsledky štúdie sú dôležité pre ďalší rozvoj medicíny.

The results of the study are important for the further development of medicine.

Masculine inanimate plural nominative.

Ontologická dôležitosť bytia je ústrednou témou jeho filozofie.

The ontological importance of being is the central theme of his philosophy.

Noun 'dôležitosť' with a highly technical adjective 'ontologická'.

Je dôležité reflektovať fluiditu významov v postmodernej literatúre.

It is important to reflect on the fluidity of meanings in postmodern literature.

Impersonal construction with academic terminology.

Dôležitosť hermeneutického prístupu k dejinám je v súčasnosti kľúčová.

The importance of the hermeneutical approach to history is crucial at present.

Noun 'dôležitosť' in a complex academic context.

Tento dokument nadobúda dôležitý význam v svetle nových dôkazov.

This document acquires important significance in light of new evidence.

Masculine singular accusative with a metaphorical verb 'nadobúdať'.

Je dôležité, aby sme sa vyhli redukcionistickému chápaniu tohto javu.

It is important that we avoid a reductionist understanding of this phenomenon.

Impersonal construction with a sophisticated dative object.

Dôležitosť sociálnej kohézie pre stabilitu štátu je nesmierna.

The importance of social cohesion for state stability is immense.

Noun 'dôležitosť' with a complex prepositional phrase.

Tento objav má dôležitý dopad na naše chápanie vesmíru.

This discovery has an important impact on our understanding of the universe.

Masculine singular accusative.

Je dôležité pestovať si schopnosť kritického myslenia už od detstva.

It is important to cultivate the ability of critical thinking from childhood.

Impersonal construction with a metaphorical verb 'pestovať si'.

Synonyms

podstatný významný kľúčový zásadný relevantný nevyhnutný závažný esenciálny

Antonyms

nedôležitý bezvýznamný podružný triviálny

Common Collocations

dôležitý krok

dôležitá informácia

dôležité rozhodnutie

veľmi dôležitý

dôležitý dokument

dôležitý človek

dôležitý bod

dôležitá úloha

dôležitý faktor

dôležité stretnutie

Common Phrases

Je to dôležité.

— A simple statement to emphasize significance. It is used in almost any context.

Prosím, počúvaj ma. Je to dôležité.

Nič dôležité.

— Used to dismiss something as insignificant or not worth worrying about.

Čo sa stalo? - Nič dôležité.

To je to najdôležitejšie.

— Used to highlight the single most significant point or priority.

Hlavne buď zdravý, to je to najdôležitejšie.

Mám niečo dôležité.

— A common way to start a conversation when you have serious news or a task.

Môžeme sa porozprávať? Mám niečo dôležité.

Pre mňa je dôležité...

— A way to express personal values or requirements.

Pre mňa je dôležité, aby sme boli úprimní.

Dôležité upozornenie!

— A standard heading for notices or warnings in public spaces or documents.

Dôležité upozornenie: Zákaz vstupu!

To nie je dôležité.

— Used to say that something doesn't matter in the current context.

Kto to urobil, už teraz nie je dôležité.

Považovať za dôležité.

— To deem something as having significance.

Považujem za dôležité, aby ste to vedeli.

Zohrať dôležitú úlohu.

— To play an important role in a process or event.

On v tom zohral dôležitú úlohu.

Dôležitá súčasť.

— An important part or component of something larger.

Vzdelanie je dôležitá súčasť života.

Often Confused With

dôležitý vs hlavný

Means 'main' or 'primary'. A main street is 'hlavná ulica', not necessarily 'dôležitá'.

dôležitý vs vážny

Means 'serious'. A serious illness is 'vážna choroba'. 'Dôležitá choroba' is incorrect.

dôležitý vs nutný

Means 'necessary' (often in a minimal sense). 'Dôležitý' implies higher value.

Idioms & Expressions

"Robiť sa dôležitým"

— To act as if one is more important than they actually are; to show off or be pompous.

Prestaň sa robiť taký dôležitý, nikto ti to neverí.

Informal

"Hrať dôležitú rolu"

— To be a significant factor in a situation, often borrowed from the theatrical concept of a 'role'.

Šťastie v tomto prípade hralo dôležitú rolu.

Neutral

"Byť dôležitý ako päť korún"

— An older, slightly humorous idiom describing someone who is acting overly important, often over trivial matters.

Pozri sa na neho, je dôležitý ako päť korún.

Informal/Dialectal

"Dôležitý ako hovno v tráve"

— A very vulgar idiom used to describe someone who thinks they are important but is actually completely insignificant.

Ten chlap je dôležitý ako hovno v tráve.

Slang/Vulgar

"Mať dôležité slovo"

— To have significant influence or authority in a decision-making process.

Otec má v našej rodine vždy dôležité slovo.

Neutral

"Stavať sa do dôležitej pózy"

— To adopt a stance or attitude of self-importance, often artificially.

Vždy sa stavia do dôležitej pózy, keď sú nablízku kamery.

Neutral/Literary

"Dôležitý bod programu"

— Used metaphorically to describe a major event or phase in someone's life.

Svadba bola dôležitým bodom ich spoločného programu.

Neutral

"Byť dôležitý pre svet"

— To have a global impact or to be of universal significance.

Jeho vynálezy sú dôležité pre celý svet.

Neutral/Formal

"Nosiť dôležitú tvár"

— To have a serious or self-important expression on one's face.

Nosiť dôležitú tvár mu ide veľmi dobre.

Informal

"Dôležitý ako ranná káva"

— A modern, informal comparison emphasizing that something is a vital part of one's daily routine.

Tento rituál je pre mňa dôležitý ako ranná káva.

Informal

Easily Confused

dôležitý vs významný

Both translate to 'important' in some contexts.

Významný focuses on status and lasting impact, while dôležitý is more about immediate priority or value.

Bol to dôležitý gól (important goal in a game) vs Bol to významný gól (historically significant goal).

dôležitý vs podstatný

Often used interchangeably in English.

Podstatný means 'essential' or 'forming the essence'.

To je podstatná informácia (essential info) vs To je dôležitá informácia (important info).

dôležitý vs závažný

Both imply weight.

Závažný is almost always used for serious negative things like crimes or errors.

Závažná chyba (serious error) vs Dôležitá chyba (sounds odd).

dôležitý vs kľúčový

Both mean high priority.

Kľúčový is more specific, meaning 'key' to a solution or result.

Kľúčový hráč (key player) vs Dôležitý hráč (important player).

dôležitý vs naliehavý

Importance often implies urgency.

Naliehavý specifically means 'urgent' and requires immediate action.

Naliehavá správa (urgent message) vs Dôležitá správa (important message).

Sentence Patterns

To je [adjective] [noun].

To je dôležitý list.

Je to [adjective]?

Je to dôležité?

Je dôležité [infinitive].

Je dôležité cvičiť.

[Noun] je dôležitejší ako [noun].

Čas je dôležitejší ako peniaze.

Najdôležitejšie je, aby [clause].

Najdôležitejšie je, aby sme boli zdraví.

Považujem za dôležité [infinitive/clause].

Považujem za dôležité informovať vás.

[Noun] nadobúda na dôležitosti.

Tento problém nadobúda na dôležitosti.

Vzhľadom na dôležitosť [noun]...

Vzhľadom na dôležitosť situácie musíme konať.

Word Family

Nouns

dôležitosť (importance)

nedôležitosť (unimportance)

Verbs

dôležitieť (to become important - rare)

uprednostniť (to prioritize - related concept)

Adjectives

dôležitý (important)

nedôležitý (unimportant)

najdôležitejší (most important)

dôležitejší (more important)

diel (part)

ležať (to lie)

náležitý (proper)

záležať (to matter)

naliehavý (urgent)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in all domains of life.

Common Mistakes

Using 'dôležitý' for all genders. → Dôležitý (m), Dôležitá (f), Dôležité (n).
Slovak adjectives must agree with the noun's gender. Using only the masculine form is a common beginner error.
Saying 'Je dôležitý...' for 'It is important...' → Je dôležité...
Impersonal expressions in Slovak always use the neuter form of the adjective.
Confusing 'dôležitý' with 'vážny' (serious). → Vážna choroba (Serious illness).
While they overlap in English, 'dôležitý' implies value/priority, while 'vážny' implies gravity or danger.
Using the wrong plural for people. → Dôležití ľudia.
Masculine animate nouns require the -í ending in the nominative plural, not -é.
Incorrect case after 'pre'. → Pre dôležitú vec (Accusative).
The preposition 'pre' always takes the accusative case. Using the nominative or genitive is incorrect.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always check the gender of the noun. 'Dôležitý' is masculine, 'dôležitá' is feminine, and 'dôležité' is neuter. This is the most common area for mistakes.

Synonyms

Expand your vocabulary by using 'podstatný' or 'významný' in formal contexts. It makes your Slovak sound more natural and sophisticated.

The 'ô' Sound

Practice the 'ô' in 'dô-le-ži-tý'. It's a unique Slovak sound. Think of it as a very fast 'uo' or 'wo' sound.

Impersonal Phrases

Master the 'Je dôležité...' structure. It's incredibly useful for giving advice, expressing opinions, and stating facts.

Humility

Be careful when describing yourself as 'dôležitý'. Slovak culture values modesty, so use it sparingly in a personal context.

Emphasis

Use 'veľmi dôležitý' for extra emphasis, but don't overdo it. If everything is 'veľmi dôležité', then nothing is.

Context Clues

When you hear 'dôležitý', listen for the noun that follows. It will help you identify the topic and the importance level immediately.

Mnemonic

Remember: 'DO' (dô) the 'important' things. This simple link between the first syllable and the English word 'do' is very effective.

Formal vs Informal

In informal speech, you can say 'fakt dôležité'. In formal speech, stick to 'veľmi dôležité' or 'významné'.

Plural Forms

Remember the special 'í' ending for masculine animate plurals: 'dôležití ľudia'. For all other plurals, use 'dôležité'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'dô-' as 'do' (to do) and '-leži-' as 'lazy'. If something is dôležitý, you can't be lazy; you have to DO it!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant, heavy golden key. It is 'dôležitý' because it's made of gold (value) and it's a key (it unlocks something essential).

Word Web

Priority Value Significance Weight Necessity Key Essential Serious

Challenge

Try to find five things in your room right now and label them as 'dôležitý' or 'nedôležitý' out loud in Slovak.

Word Origin

The word 'dôležitý' has its roots in the Old Slavic components. It is a compound formed from 'do-' (to/into) and the root related to 'ležať' (to lie) or 'ložiť' (to place).

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to something that 'lay in the weight' or 'had weight' in a metaphorical sense, indicating gravity or significance.

Slavic (Indo-European). It is closely related to the Czech 'důležitý' and has cognates in other Slavic languages like Polish 'doniosły' (though the roots differ slightly).

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'dôležitý' to describe yourself in a boastful way, as it can sound pompous.

In English, 'important' is often used as a polite filler. in Slovak, it can carry a bit more weight, so be careful not to over-emphasize trivial things.

The phrase 'Zdravie je najdôležitejšie' is a common Slovak proverb. Standard Slovak grammar books often use 'dôležitý' as the primary example for adjective declension. Many Slovak pop songs use 'dôležitý' to describe a lost love or a critical moment.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Health and Safety

Je to dôležité pre vaše zdravie.
Dôležité bezpečnostné pokyny.
Najdôležitejšie je prežiť.
Dôležitý liek.

Work and Business

Dôležitý termín.
Máme dôležité stretnutie.
Toto je dôležitá úloha.
Dôležitý klient.

Education

Dôležitá skúška.
Je dôležité študovať.
Dôležitá časť knihy.
Dôležitý oznam.

Personal Relationships

Si pre mňa dôležitý.
Máme dôležitý rozhovor.
Dôležitá udalosť v rodine.
Dôležité tajomstvo.

Daily Life

Dôležitý nákup.
Nezabudni na dôležité kľúče.
Dôležitá správa v pošte.
Je to dôležité?

Conversation Starters

"Čo je pre teba v živote najdôležitejšie?"

"Máš dnes nejaké dôležité plány?"

"Je podľa teba dôležité učiť sa cudzie jazyky?"

"Aké dôležité rozhodnutie si musel nedávno urobiť?"

"Kto je najdôležitejší človek v tvojom živote?"

Journal Prompts

Napíš o troch dôležitých veciach, ktoré si dnes urobil a prečo boli dôležité.

Opíš dôležitú osobu z tvojho detstva a jej vplyv na teba.

Premýšľaj o dôležitosti oddychu v dnešnom uponáhľanom svete.

Aké dôležité zmeny by si chcel urobiť vo svojom živote budúci rok?

Prečo je podľa teba dôležité chrániť životné prostredie?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You use the superlative form 'najdôležitejší'. Remember to match the gender: 'najdôležitejší' (m), 'najdôležitejšia' (f), 'najdôležitejšie' (n). For example, 'Najdôležitejšia vec' (The most important thing).

Yes, you can use it for people. 'On je dôležitý človek' means 'He is an important person'. Be careful with the plural 'dôležití ľudia' for masculine animate nouns.

'Dôležitý' is more common and general. 'Významný' is more formal and usually refers to historical significance or high status. For example, a 'významný vedec' is a distinguished scientist.

Not really. For serious illnesses or crimes, use 'vážny' or 'závažný'. 'Dôležitý' implies value or priority, not necessarily gravity in a negative sense.

Use the phrase 'Je to pre mňa dôležité'. 'Pre mňa' means 'for me'. You use the neuter 'dôležité' because the subject is abstract.

The noun is 'dôležitosť', which means 'importance'. For example: 'Chápem dôležitosť tvojej práce' (I understand the importance of your work).

As an adjective, it agrees with the noun it modifies. If it's used with 'pre' (for), the following noun or pronoun is in the accusative case (e.g., pre mňa, pre teba, pre rodinu).

Simply add the prefix 'ne-' to get 'nedôležitý', which means 'unimportant'. For example: 'To je nedôležitý detail' (That is an unimportant detail).

Yes, in the phrase 'robiť sa dôležitým', it means to act self-important or pompous. This is usually used in a critical or humorous way.

Use 'dôležité' with neuter nouns (dôležité dieťa) or in impersonal expressions (Je dôležité prísť včas). It is also used for plural inanimate masculine, feminine, and neuter nouns.