Significado
Having a small amount of currency.
Contexto cultural
Czechs often use 'málo peněz' as a way to avoid 'závist' (envy). Even if someone is doing well, they might downplay their wealth to stay relatable to their peers. The phrase is nearly identical in Slovak ('málo peňazí'), and the cultural attitude toward financial modesty is very similar. In the large Vietnamese community in Czechia, 'málo peněz' is a common phrase used in markets (večerky) when negotiating with suppliers or explaining price changes. Expats often struggle with the genitive 'peněz' and mistakenly say 'málo peníze', which has become a recognizable 'foreigner' marker in the city.
The Genitive Secret
Whenever you use 'málo', 'hodně', or a number over 5, the noun must change its ending. 'Peníze' becomes 'peněz'.
Avoid 'Malý'
Don't say 'malé peníze' unless you are talking about the physical size of the coins!
Significado
Having a small amount of currency.
The Genitive Secret
Whenever you use 'málo', 'hodně', or a number over 5, the noun must change its ending. 'Peníze' becomes 'peněz'.
Avoid 'Malý'
Don't say 'malé peníze' unless you are talking about the physical size of the coins!
Modesty is Key
It is very common to say you have 'málo peněz' even if you are doing okay. It's a way to be humble.
Verb Agreement
If 'málo peněz' is the subject, use the 'it' form of the verb (e.g., 'Bylo tam málo peněz').
Teste-se
Fill in the correct form of the word 'peníze'.
Mám málo _______.
The quantifier 'málo' requires the genitive plural form 'peněz'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural Czech sentence:
'Málo' is the correct quantifier and 'peněz' is the correct case.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Půjdeme do restaurace? B: Ne, nemůžu, _______.
Having little money is a logical reason to decline a restaurant invitation.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are looking at a very expensive iPhone but your bank account is empty.
This phrase expresses that you cannot afford the item.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Quantity of Money
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosMám málo _______.
The quantifier 'málo' requires the genitive plural form 'peněz'.
Choose the natural Czech sentence:
'Málo' is the correct quantifier and 'peněz' is the correct case.
A: Půjdeme do restaurace? B: Ne, nemůžu, _______.
Having little money is a logical reason to decline a restaurant invitation.
You are looking at a very expensive iPhone but your bank account is empty.
This phrase expresses that you cannot afford the item.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, that is grammatically incorrect. After 'málo', you must use the genitive form 'peněz'.
Not at all. It is a neutral and common way to talk about your budget.
'Málo peněz' is neutral and can be used anywhere. 'Jsem švorc' is slang and means 'I am completely broke'.
You can say 'Nemám žádné peníze' or 'Nemám ani korunu'.
'Peníze' is an irregular noun. Its genitive plural is simply 'peněz'.
Yes, you can say 'V té práci je málo peněz' to mean the pay is low.
No, in this context, it is an adverb of quantity (a quantifier).
Yes, 'mám málo korun' (I have few crowns) is also correct and follows the same genitive rule.
Yes, when it is used as a quantifier for a noun, the noun must be in the genitive case.
You say 'příliš málo peněz'.
Frases relacionadas
hodně peněz
contrasta lot of money
nemít ani korunu
similarto not have even a crown
být švorc
synonymto be broke
mít hluboko do kapsy
similarto have deep into the pocket
drobné
specialized formsmall change / coins
