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A1 verb 10 min read

teči

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips teči in 30 Seconds

Explanation teči in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most literal meaning of 'teči', which is 'to run'. You will use it to describe yourself or others exercising or moving quickly from point A to point B. It is important to learn the present tense conjugation, especially the first person 'tečem' (I run). You will also encounter it in simple sentences about nature, like 'voda teče' (water flows). At this stage, don't worry too much about the complex metaphorical uses. Just remember that if you are moving faster than walking, you are 'teči'. You might see this word in basic exercise routines or children's stories. Practice saying 'Jaz tečem v parku' (I run in the park) to get comfortable with the 'č' sound. It is one of the essential verbs of motion that you learn alongside 'iti' (to go) and 'hoditi' (to walk). You should also be able to recognize the past tense 'tekel' (he ran) and 'tekla' (she ran) in simple narratives. The main goal at A1 is to identify the action and use it in the present tense to describe daily activities.

At the A2 level, you begin to expand the use of 'teči' to include the flow of time and more varied liquid movements. You will learn to use it with adverbs like 'hitro' (fast) and 'počasi' (slowly). For example, 'Čas hitro teče' (Time runs fast) is a very common phrase you should know. You will also start using prepositions to indicate direction or location, such as 'teči po gozdu' (to run through the forest) or 'voda teče iz pipe' (water is running from the tap). You should become more confident with the conjugation in all persons, including the plural 'tečemo' (we run). You will also start to see the word in the context of simple processes, like 'pogovor teče' (the conversation is flowing). This is a good time to notice how 'teči' is used in weather descriptions, like rain running down a window. Understanding the difference between 'teči' and 'hoditi' becomes more important as you describe your hobbies and daily routines in more detail. You should also be able to form simple questions like 'Ali rad tečeš?' (Do you like to run?).

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'teči' in various metaphorical and idiomatic contexts. You will use it to describe how projects, meetings, or events are progressing. For instance, 'Priprave tečejo po načrtu' (Preparations are running according to plan). You will also encounter more complex grammatical structures, such as using 'teči' in the future tense ('bom tekel') and using it with a wider range of prepositions. You should start to understand the aspectual difference between 'teči' (imperfective) and its prefixed forms like 'preteči' (perfective). For example, knowing when to say 'tekel sem' (I was running) versus 'pretekel sem' (I ran a certain distance). You will also learn idioms like 'vse teče po maslu' (everything is running like butter/smoothly). Your vocabulary will expand to include related nouns like 'tek' (running/race) and 'tekočina' (liquid). At this stage, you can use 'teči' to describe more abstract concepts like the flow of electricity or the circulation of blood. You are expected to use the verb accurately in both spoken and written Slovenian to describe processes and sequences of events.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'teči' and be able to use it in professional and academic contexts. You will use it to describe the 'flow' of an argument in an essay or the 'running' of a complex system. You will be able to distinguish between 'teči' and its many synonyms like 'dirjati', 'drveti', or 'hiteti', choosing the one that fits the register and intensity of the situation. You will encounter 'teči' in legal and administrative language, such as 'rok teče' (the deadline is running/active). You should also be able to use the verb in the conditional mood ('bi tekel') and understand its use in passive-like constructions or as a verbal noun. Your understanding of idioms involving 'teči' will be deeper, allowing you to use them naturally in conversation. You will also be able to discuss the etymology or the subtle shades of meaning that 'teči' takes on in different Slavic languages if you are studying linguistics. At B2, you are expected to handle the irregular past tense forms and the imperative 'teci!' with ease, even in high-pressure speaking situations. You can describe the 'flow' of a narrative or the 'current' of public opinion using this verb.

At the C1 level, you use 'teči' with the precision of a native speaker. You understand the subtle poetic and literary nuances of the word. You can use it to describe the 'ebb and flow' of history or the 'thread' that runs through a complex philosophical text. You are familiar with rare and archaic uses of the verb and can recognize them in classical Slovenian literature. Your use of 'teči' in professional settings is flawless, whether you are describing the 'workflow' of a corporation or the 'conduction' of a scientific experiment. You can effortlessly switch between the literal and metaphorical meanings, often using them in the same sentence for rhetorical effect. You understand how prefixes change the meaning of the root 'tek-' in hundreds of different ways (e.g., 'izteči', 'nateči', 'odteči', 'poteci', 'razteči'). You can analyze the use of 'teči' in news media to understand the underlying tone—for instance, how the 'flow' of refugees or the 'flow' of capital is framed. At this level, the verb is no longer just a word for running; it is a versatile tool for describing any continuous movement or process in the universe.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'teči' is absolute. You can use it to create complex metaphors and wordplay in creative writing. You have a deep understanding of the historical development of the word from its Proto-Slavic roots and how it relates to cognates in other Indo-European languages. You can use 'teči' in highly specialized fields, such as fluid mechanics, temporal logic, or advanced linguistics. You are able to interpret the most abstract uses of the verb in postmodern literature or high-level political discourse. You can use the verb to express the finest shades of meaning, such as the difference between a process that 'teče' (runs) and one that 'poteka' (takes place/unfolds). You are also an expert in the various regional dialects of Slovenia and how they might use 'teči' differently. For you, 'teči' is a fundamental concept that links physical movement, the passage of time, and the very structure of reality. You can teach others about the intricacies of this verb, including its complex aspectual system and its role in the Slovenian world-view. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, used with elegance and total contextual awareness.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

teči in 30 Seconds

Teči primarily means 'to run' as a physical activity for people and animals.
It also describes the 'flowing' of any liquid, such as water, blood, or sweat.
The verb is used for the passage of time (days, years, minutes) and abstract processes.
It is an imperfective verb, focusing on the ongoing nature of the action.

The Slovenian verb teči is a fundamental and versatile word that every learner must master early on. At its core, it describes the act of moving at a speed faster than a walk, equivalent to the English 'to run'. However, its utility extends far beyond physical exercise. In Slovenian, teči is the primary verb used to describe the movement of liquids, the progression of time, and the operation of various processes. When you see a river moving towards the sea, you use teči. When you notice that years are passing by quickly, you use teči. This polysemy makes it a rich word that appears in diverse contexts, from the athletic track to the philosophical discussion about the nature of existence.

Physical Movement: This is the most common usage for beginners. It refers to human or animal locomotion where both feet are briefly off the ground. Example: Otrok teče čez travnik (The child is running across the meadow).
Fluid Dynamics: Slovenian does not distinguish between 'running' and 'flowing' for liquids in the same way English does. Water 'runs' in a river, blood 'runs' in veins, and sweat 'runs' down a forehead. Example: Reka teče pod mostom (The river flows under the bridge).
Temporal Progression: Time is often conceptualized as a flowing river in Slovenian culture. Therefore, minutes, hours, and years 'run'. Example: Čas hitro teče (Time runs/flies fast).

Understanding these nuances is crucial because English speakers might be tempted to look for separate verbs for 'flow' or 'elapse', but in Slovenian, teči covers them all seamlessly.

Voda v tem potoku teče zelo počasi zaradi suše.

This sentence illustrates the liquid aspect perfectly. In a cultural sense, Slovenians value outdoor activities, and 'tek' (running/jogging) is a popular pastime. You will often hear people talking about their morning run using this verb. Beyond the literal, teči is used in administrative and technical language. A project can be 'running' (teče), or a computer program can be 'running' in the background. This makes it an essential word for professional environments as well.

Delo na gradbišču teče po načrtu in brez zamud.

This demonstrates the 'process' meaning, showing that work is proceeding as planned.

Abstract Flow: Used for conversations, electricity, or even traffic. If something is moving in a continuous stream, teči is the verb of choice.

In summary, teči is a multi-functional pillar of the Slovenian language, bridging the gap between physical exertion, natural phenomena, and the abstract passage of time. Its conjugation, while slightly irregular in the present tense (tečem, tečeš, teče...), follows a predictable pattern once you learn the root changes.

Kri mi teče iz nosu, potrebujem robček.

Pogovor med prijatelji je tekel sproščeno cel večer.

Ali tečeš maraton vsako leto?

Using teči correctly requires an understanding of its syntax and the prepositions that typically accompany it. When describing physical running, you often use prepositions of place like 'v' (in), 'na' (on/at), or 'po' (along/over). For example, 'teči po poti' means to run along a path. The verb is intransitive in its basic sense (it doesn't take a direct object in the accusative), but it can take an accusative object when referring to a specific distance or a race, such as 'teči maraton' (to run a marathon).

Conjugation Patterns: The present tense stem changes from 'teč-' to 'tek-'. Present: jaz tečem, ti tečeš, on teče, mi tečemo, vi tečete, oni tečejo. Past: on je tekel, ona je tekla, oni so tekli. Future: jaz bom tekel.
Directional Usage: When you run 'towards' something, use 'proti' + dative. Example: Tečem proti hiši (I am running towards the house). If you run 'from' something, use 'iz' or 'od'.

In the context of liquids, teči often appears with 'iz' (out of) or 'v' (into). 'Voda teče iz pipe' (Water is running from the tap). This is a very common everyday sentence. When discussing time, the verb is almost always in the third person singular (teče) or plural (tečejo), depending on the noun representing time. 'Leta tečejo' (Years run/pass).

Vsako jutro tečem pet kilometrov, da ostanem v formi.

This sentence shows the use of a distance as a quasi-object. For abstract processes, the subject is usually an event or a task. 'Priprave na poroko tečejo gladko' (Wedding preparations are running smoothly). Here, 'gladko' (smoothly) is a common adverb paired with teči.

Common Adverbs: Hitro (fast), počasi (slowly), neprekinjeno (continuously), vodoravno (horizontally), navzdol (downwards).

Čas mi teče med prsti, ko sem s teboj.

This poetic usage ('time runs between my fingers') highlights the metaphorical depth of the verb.

Solze so ji tekle po licih, ko je slišala novico.

Električni tok teče skozi bakreno žico.

Promet na avtocesti teče brez zastojev.

This sentence is very common in traffic reports on the radio.

You will encounter teči in a multitude of real-world scenarios in Slovenia. If you are at a sports stadium or a park like Tivoli in Ljubljana, you will hear coaches yelling 'Teci, teci!' (Run, run!) to their athletes. In a more domestic setting, if someone leaves the tap open, you might hear 'Voda teče!' as a warning to turn it off. On the news, journalists frequently use the verb to describe ongoing events, such as 'Pogajanja še vedno tečejo' (Negotiations are still running/ongoing).

Weather Reports: When describing heavy rain, meteorologists might say that water is running down the streets (voda teče po ulicah).
Office Environment: In business meetings, you might hear 'Kako teče projekt?' (How is the project running/progressing?). It is the standard way to ask about status.

In Slovenian literature and music, teči is often used to describe the passage of life or the flow of the river Sava or Soča, which are central to Slovenian identity. A famous folk song might mention a river that 'teče' through a green valley.

Poglej, kako hitro teče reka po nevihti!

This captures a natural observation. In technical contexts, such as IT, the verb is used for processes. 'Program teče v ozadju' (The program is running in the background). Even in medical contexts, you might hear a doctor ask if blood is still 'running' (teče) from a wound.

Beseda mu teče kot namazana, ko govori o svojem hobiju.

This is an idiom meaning someone is very eloquent ('his word runs like it's greased').

Public Announcements: At train stations, you might hear about 'tekoči' (running/current) schedules or changes.

Vse teče po maslu, ne skrbi.

This idiom ('everything is running like butter') means everything is going perfectly.

Ali ti nos teče zaradi alergije?

Čas neusmiljeno teče naprej.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is using teči when they should use a perfective verb like 'preteči'. In Slovenian, 'teči' describes the act of running without a specified end point or completion. If you want to say 'I ran five kilometers' (and you finished them), you should use 'pretekel sem pet kilometrov'. Using 'tekel sem pet kilometrov' implies you were in the process of running them, but doesn't emphasize the completion.

The 'Hoditi' Confusion: Sometimes beginners confuse 'teči' (run) with 'hoditi' (walk/go). While 'hoditi' can mean 'to go' in a general sense, 'teči' is strictly for faster movement or flowing.
Conjugation Errors: Learners often forget the stem change in the present tense. They might say 'tečem' correctly but then struggle with the third person plural 'tečejo' or the past tense 'tekel'.

Another mistake is using 'teči' for 'to run a business'. While you can say a project 'teče', for 'running a company', Slovenians usually use 'voditi' (to lead/manage). Using teči in that context would sound like the company is physically moving.

Napačno: Tečem svoje podjetje. Pravilno: Vodim svoje podjetje.

This is a classic calque from English that should be avoided. For liquids, don't confuse teči with 'polit' (to pour/spill). 'Voda teče' is the state of flowing, while 'politi' is the action of spilling something accidentally.

Aspectual Nuance: Remember: 'teči' = process (imperfective). 'preteči/priteči/odteči' = completed action (perfective).

Napačno: Včeraj sem tekel do trgovine (if you mean you arrived there). Pravilno: Včeraj sem pritekel do trgovine.

Pazi na izgovarjavo: 'teči' ima dolg 'e'.

Ne zamenjuj 'teči' s 'peči' (to bake/roast)!

Čas teče, mi pa še nismo končali.

Here, the mistake would be using 'hodi' for time.

While teči is the general word for running, Slovenian offers several specific alternatives depending on the speed, manner, and context of the movement. Understanding these will make your Slovenian sound much more natural and precise.

Dirjati: This means to dash, gallop, or run very fast. It implies a sense of urgency or high speed that 'teči' does not necessarily convey. Example: Konji dirjajo po polju (Horses are galloping across the field).
Hiteti: This means 'to hurry' or 'to rush'. It focuses more on the intent to be quick rather than the physical act of running. You can 'hiteti' while walking fast. Example: Hitim v službo (I am hurrying to work).
Pretakati se: Specifically used for liquids moving from one place to another, often through pipes or vessels. It is more technical than 'teči'. Example: Vino se pretaka v sode (Wine is being transferred/flowing into barrels).

For the movement of time, you might also use 'miniti' (to pass) or 'pretekati' (to elapse). 'Miniti' is perfective, usually used for a specific period that has ended.

Namesto 'teči' lahko za zelo hiter tek uporabimo besedo šprintati.

This is a loanword from English 'to sprint' and is common in sports. In the context of a nose running, you can say 'smrkati' (to sniffle), which is the action associated with a runny nose. For a river, 'izvirati' (to originate/spring) is used for its source, while teči is used for its course.

Gibalni glagoli (Verbs of Motion): Teči (run), hoditi (walk), skakati (jump), plaziti se (crawl), plavati (swim).

Voda žubori v potoku.

This is a more poetic alternative to 'teče', meaning the water is gurgling or babbling.

Čas beži!

This means 'time is fleeing/escaping', which is even more emphatic than 'čas teče'.

Avtomobili drvijo mimo nas.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is related to the English word 'thatch' through very distant roots, but more closely to the Sanskrit 'takti' (rushes). The dual meaning of 'run' and 'flow' is a very ancient feature of this word family.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtɛtʃi/

US /ˈtɛtʃi/

The stress is on the first syllable: TE-či.

Rhymes With

peči (to bake) reči (to say) sleči (to undress) vleči (to pull) seči (to reach) leči (to lie down) steči (to run down/start running) preči (to cross)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'č' as a hard 'c' (te-ki).
Making the 'e' too long like in 'take'.
Stress on the second syllable.
Confusing with 'teči' (to flow) and 'teči' (to run) thinking they have different tones (they don't).
Swallowing the final 'i'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as a basic verb.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the č/k stem changes in different tenses.

Speaking 2/5

The 'č' sound can be tricky for some, but the word is short.

Listening 1/5

Usually clearly pronounced in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

iti (to go) hitro (fast) voda (water) čas (time) noga (leg)

Learn Next

preteči (to run a distance) izteči se (to end/expire) dirjati (to gallop) hiteti (to hurry) tok (flow)

Advanced

pretakati (to decant) odtekati (to drain) stekati se (to converge/flow into) tekočinska dinamika (fluid dynamics) kontinuum (continuum)

Grammar to Know

Stem change in verbs ending in -či

teči -> teč-em (present) vs tek-el (past)

Imperfective aspect for ongoing actions

Tečem (I am running) vs Pretekel sem (I ran/finished running)

Prepositions with verbs of motion

Teči v + accusative (direction), Teči v + locative (location)

Subject-verb agreement with collective nouns

Voda teče (singular), Leta tečejo (plural)

Adverb placement with verbs of motion

Hitro tečem vs Tečem hitro (both possible, emphasis varies)

Examples by Level

Jaz tečem vsak dan.

I run every day.

First person singular, present tense.

Otrok teče k mami.

The child is running to his mother.

Third person singular, present tense.

Pes teče za žogo.

The dog is running after the ball.

Use of preposition 'za' + instrumental.

Voda teče.

Water is running.

Simple subject + verb construction.

Ali tečeš hitro?

Do you run fast?

Second person singular, question form.

Oni tečejo v šolo.

They are running to school.

Third person plural, present tense.

Mi tečemo skupaj.

We are running together.

First person plural, present tense.

Mačka teče po vrtu.

The cat is running around the garden.

Use of preposition 'po' + locative.

Čas hitro teče, ko se zabavamo.

Time runs fast when we are having fun.

Metaphorical use for time.

Reka Sava teče skozi Ljubljano.

The river Sava flows through Ljubljana.

Use of 'skozi' + accusative.

Včeraj sem tekel pet kilometrov.

Yesterday I ran five kilometers.

Past tense, masculine singular.

Iz nosu mi teče.

My nose is running.

Idiomatic expression for a cold.

Poglej, kri ti teče!

Look, you are bleeding! (Blood is running)

Use for bodily fluids.

Ali reka teče počasi?

Is the river flowing slowly?

Adverbial modification.

Leta hitro tečejo.

Years run/pass quickly.

Plural subject with 'tečejo'.

Tečem, ker zamujam.

I am running because I am late.

Expressing reason/cause.

Vse teče po načrtu.

Everything is running according to plan.

Abstract use for processes.

Pogovor je tekel gladko.

The conversation flowed smoothly.

Past tense with an adverb.

Elektrika teče skozi žice.

Electricity flows through the wires.

Technical/scientific use.

Tekel sem, da bi ujel avtobus.

I ran in order to catch the bus.

Purpose clause with 'da bi'.

Solze so ji tekle po obrazu.

Tears were running down her face.

Plural subject 'solze'.

Njegovo delo teče brez težav.

His work is running without problems.

Describing work progress.

Promet teče počasi zaradi nesreče.

Traffic is moving slowly because of an accident.

Use in the context of traffic.

Čas mi teče med prsti.

Time is running through my fingers.

Poetic/idiomatic expression.

Vse teče kot po maslu.

Everything is running like butter (perfectly).

Common idiom.

Rok za prijavo že teče.

The application deadline is already running.

Legal/administrative context.

Znoj mu je tekel po čelu.

Sweat was running down his forehead.

Describing physical exertion.

Pogajanja tečejo že tri ure.

Negotiations have been running for three hours.

Present tense used for an action that started in the past.

Beseda mu teče, kot bi bral.

His words flow as if he were reading (very fluently).

Idiom for eloquence.

Voda teče navzdol po hribu.

Water flows down the hill.

Directional adverb 'navzdol'.

V ozadju teče več programov.

Several programs are running in the background.

Computing context.

Kri teče po žilah.

Blood flows through the veins.

Biological fact.

Nit zgodbe teče skozi celoten roman.

The thread of the story runs through the entire novel.

Literary analysis.

Njegovo življenje teče v ustaljenih tirnicah.

His life runs in established tracks (is very routine).

Metaphor for lifestyle.

Gospodarski tokovi tečejo v smeri globalizacije.

Economic flows are running in the direction of globalization.

Economic/academic context.

Voda teče, kamor hoče.

Water flows where it wants.

Philosophical proverb.

Postopek teče v skladu z zakonodajo.

The procedure is running in accordance with legislation.

Formal/legal register.

Misli so mu tekle k preteklosti.

His thoughts were running towards the past.

Psychological/internal state.

Melodija teče mehko in nežno.

The melody flows softly and gently.

Describing music.

Vse odločitve tečejo preko direktorja.

All decisions run through the director.

Organizational hierarchy.

Diskusiija je teka na visoki intelektualni ravni.

The discussion ran at a high intellectual level.

Describing the quality of interaction.

Časovna premica teče od leve proti desni.

The timeline runs from left to right.

Scientific/descriptive.

V njem teče plemenita kri.

Noble blood runs in him.

Archaic/literary expression.

Zgodovina teče v ciklih.

History runs in cycles.

Historiographical concept.

Besedilo teče naravno in brez zatikanja.

The text flows naturally and without hitching.

Stylistic critique.

Informacije tečejo po svetovnem spletu.

Information flows across the world wide web.

Modern technological metaphor.

Njegova ustvarjalnost teče neusahljivo.

His creativity flows inexhaustibly.

Describing talent.

Življenje teče dalje, ne glede na vse.

Life runs on, regardless of everything.

Existential statement.

Common Collocations

hitro teči

teči maraton

voda teče

kri teče

teči po načrtu

teči v ozadju

solze tečejo

nos teče

teči po gozdu

promet teče

Common Phrases

Čas teče.

— Time is passing. Used to remind someone of urgency.

Pohiti, čas teče!

Voda teče.

— The water is on. Used to alert someone to a tap left open.

Zapri pipo, voda teče!

Beseda teče.

— The conversation is going well. Used to describe a good talk.

Beseda je tekla pozno v noč.

Tečem na avtobus.

— I am running to catch the bus. A very common daily situation.

Ne morem govoriti, tečem na avtobus!

Kri mu teče.

— He is bleeding. Used in first aid situations.

Hitro, kri mu teče iz roke!

Vse teče.

— Everything is in motion or progressing. A general status update.

Kako gre? Vse teče.

Teči za nekom.

— To chase someone. Used in games or serious situations.

Policist teče za tatičem.

Teči v prazno.

— To run in vain or without result. Used for wasted effort.

Naš trud teče v prazno.

Leta tečejo.

— The years are going by. Often said with nostalgia.

Leta tečejo, mi pa se staramo.

Teči po poti.

— To run along a path. Common in travel or exercise.

Tečem po gozdni poti.

Often Confused With

teči vs hoditi

English speakers might use 'run' for 'go' (e.g., run to the store), but Slovenian usually uses 'iti' or 'hoditi' unless it's a literal run.

teči vs peči

The words look similar but 'peči' means to bake or roast.

teči vs teči (to flow) vs. teči (to run)

They are the same word in Slovenian, which can be confusing for English speakers who expect two different verbs.

Idioms & Expressions

"Teči kot po maslu"

— To go very smoothly without any problems. Literally 'to run like on butter'.

Projekt teče kot po maslu.

informal/neutral

"Beseda mu teče kot namazana"

— To be very eloquent or talkative. Literally 'his word runs like it's greased'.

Ko začne o politiki, mu beseda teče kot namazana.

informal

"Čas teče med prsti"

— Time is slipping away quickly and uncontrollably.

Na dopustu čas teče med prsti.

poetic

"Teči v korak s časom"

— To keep up with the times or modern trends.

Podjetje mora teči v korak s časom.

neutral

"Voda mu teče v grlo"

— To be in a very difficult or desperate situation. Literally 'water is running into his throat'.

Zaradi dolgov mu voda teče v grlo.

informal

"Teči za vsako malenkostjo"

— To worry or chase after every little unimportant thing.

Ne teči za vsako malenkostjo, sprosti se.

informal

"Kjer tečeta med in mleko"

— A place of abundance and prosperity. Literally 'where honey and milk flow'.

To ni dežela, kjer tečeta med in mleko.

literary

"Teči na dolge proge"

— To be involved in something for the long term. Literally 'to run long distances'.

Najino prijateljstvo teče na dolge proge.

neutral

"Vse teče, vse se spreminja"

— Everything flows, everything changes (Panta Rhei).

Kot je rekel Heraklit: vse teče.

academic/philosophical

"Teči pred rabeljnom"

— To run away from inevitable fate or trouble.

Ne moreš večno teči pred rabeljnom.

literary

Easily Confused

teči vs dirjati

Both mean moving fast.

Dirjati is much faster, like a gallop or a frantic dash, while teči is the general word for running.

Konji dirjajo (fast), otroci tečejo (normal).

teči vs hiteti

Both imply speed.

Hiteti means to hurry (mental state/urgency), while teči is the physical action. You can 'hiteti' while walking.

Hitim v šolo, zato tečem.

teči vs bežati

Both involve running.

Bežati implies running away from a threat or fleeing, whereas teči is neutral.

Bežim pred psom, tečem pa za zdravje.

teči vs drveti

Both mean fast movement.

Drveti is used for racing along, often with vehicles or in a reckless way.

Vlak drvi skozi postajo.

teči vs politi

Both involve liquids.

Politi is the action of spilling or pouring, while teči is the state of flowing.

Voda teče iz pipe, jaz pa sem jo polil po tleh.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] teče [Preposition] [Place].

Pes teče v hišo.

[Time noun] [Adverb] teče.

Ure počasi tečejo.

[Process] teče po [Noun in Locative].

Delo teče po načrtu.

[Subject] teče kot po [Noun in Locative].

Vse teče kot po maslu.

[Abstract concept] teče skozi [Noun in Accusative].

Nit zgodbe teče skozi knjigo.

[Subject] teče [Adverbial phrase of manner].

Njegova ustvarjalnost teče neusahljivo.

Ali [Subject] teče?

Ali mama teče?

[Liquid] teče iz [Noun in Genitive].

Voda teče iz pipe.

Word Family

Nouns

tek (running/race)

tekač (runner)

tekočina (liquid)

tok (flow/current)

tečaj (course/hinge)

Verbs

preteči (to run past/finish running)

izteči (to run out/expire)

odteči (to run away/drain)

priteči (to run to/arrive running)

steči (to start running/flow down)

Adjectives

tekoč (liquid/fluent/current)

tekaški (running-related)

pretečen (expired/past)

tokoven (current-related)

dirka (race)

potok (stream)

reka (river)

štoparica (stopwatch)

superge (sneakers)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high. It is one of the top 500 most used verbs in Slovenian.

Common Mistakes

On je tečel. → On je tekel.
The past tense stem changes from 'č' to 'k'. This is a very common error for beginners.
Voda je tekel. → Voda je tekla.
The past tense must agree with the gender of the subject. 'Voda' is feminine, so the verb must be 'tekla'.
Tečem moje podjetje. → Vodim svoje podjetje.
You cannot use 'teči' to mean 'manage' or 'run' a business in Slovenian. Use 'voditi'.
Čas hodi hitro. → Čas teče hitro.
In Slovenian, time 'runs' (teče), it doesn't 'walk' (hodi).
Tečem do trgovine (meaning 'I arrived'). → Pritekel sem do trgovine.
Use the perfective prefix 'pri-' to indicate arrival at a destination.

Tips

Stem Change

Remember the č/k change: teč-em but te-kel. This happens in many verbs ending in -či.

Liquid Flow

Don't look for a word for 'flow'. 'Teči' is the most natural way to describe moving water.

Active Slovenia

Slovenians love running. Use 'teči' to talk about your hobbies and you will make friends easily.

Butter Idiom

'Teči kot po maslu' is a great phrase to use when everything is going perfectly in your life.

The 'č' Sound

Make sure the 'č' is clear and not confused with 'c'. It sounds like the 'ch' in 'chair'.

Time is a River

Think of time as a river to remember that 'teči' is used for both.

Business Error

Avoid saying 'tečem podjetje'. Use 'vodim podjetje' instead.

Aspect Matters

Use 'teči' for the act of running, but 'preteči' when you mention the total distance you completed.

Radio Reports

Listen for 'tekoč promet' on the radio—it means traffic is flowing well.

Vivid Descriptions

Use 'teči' to describe sweat, tears, or rain to make your writing more descriptive.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'TECH-y' (teči). Technology 'runs' and flows through our lives like a river.

Visual Association

Visualize a river running a marathon. It combines both the liquid and the physical running meanings.

Word Web

tek (sport) voda (liquid) čas (time) reka (river) kri (blood) tekoče (fluent) maraton (race) hitro (fast)

Challenge

Try to use 'teči' in three different sentences today: one about exercise, one about water, and one about time.

Word Origin

From Proto-Slavic *tekti, which comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *tek- (to run, to flow).

Original meaning: The original meaning already encompassed both physical running and the flowing of water.

Indo-European > Balto-Slavic > Slavic > South Slavic > Slovenian.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; 'teči' is a neutral, everyday word.

English speakers use 'run' for businesses and colors, but Slovenian uses different verbs for those. Don't say your blue shirt 'teče' into your white one!

Ljubljana Marathon (major running event) The poem 'Soči' by Simon Gregorčič (describes the river's flow) The phrase 'Vse teče' often cited in Slovenian philosophy classes

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sports and Exercise

ogrevalni tek
teči na dolge proge
tekaška obutev
osebni rekord

Nature and Weather

reka teče
voda iz izvira
dež teče po šipah
potok žubori

Time Management

čas neusmiljeno teče
v zadnjem trenutku
teči s časom
iztek roka

Health and Body

nos mi teče
kri teče iz rane
znoj teče
krvni obtok

Work and Projects

delo teče
vse je pod kontrolo
tekoče zadeve
projektni načrt

Conversation Starters

"Ali rad tečeš v naravi ali v telovadnici?"

"Kako hitro teče čas v tvoji službi?"

"Si kdaj tekel na kakšnem maratonu?"

"Ali ti pozimi pogosto teče iz nosu?"

"Katera reka teče skozi tvoj rojstni kraj?"

Journal Prompts

Opiši svoj zadnji tek. Kje si bil in kako si se počutil?

Razmišljaj o tem, kako hitro teče čas v tvojem življenju.

Napiši zgodbo o reki, ki teče skozi gorsko vas.

Kako poskrbiš, da tvoje delo teče gladko in brez stresa?

Opiši občutek, ko tečeš na avtobus in ga skoraj zamudiš.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, in Slovenian you use 'voditi' (to lead/manage) for running a business. 'Teči' would only be used to say the business operations are 'proceeding' (e.g., 'Posli tečejo').

It is 'tekel' for masculine, 'tekla' for feminine, and 'teklo' for neuter. For example: 'On je tekel' (He ran).

Yes, Slovenian uses the same word for a person running and a river flowing. 'Reka teče' and 'Človek teče' are both correct.

You say 'Iz nosu mi teče' or 'Teče mi iz nosu'. It literally means 'It is running out of the nose to me'.

It is imperfective. It describes the ongoing process of running. The perfective version (to finish running or run a distance) is usually 'preteči'.

Teči is a regular run, while dirjati is a very fast run, often used for animals galloping or people in an extreme hurry.

Yes, 'Čas teče' is the standard way to say 'time passes' or 'time runs'.

Jaz tečem, ti tečeš, on/ona teče, mi tečemo, vi tečete, oni tečejo.

Usually it is intransitive, but you can say 'teči maraton' or 'teči pet kilometrov' where the distance acts as an object.

The singular is 'teci!' (run!) and the plural is 'tecite!'.