How to Use Interrogative Pronouns and Form Questions in Slovak

Understanding Interrogative Pronouns in Slovak

Interrogative pronouns are words used to ask questions. In Slovak, these pronouns help you inquire about people, things, places, reasons, and more. Knowing these pronouns is essential for forming questions and engaging in conversations.

Common Slovak Interrogative Pronouns

• kto – who (used for people)
• čo – what (used for things or actions)
• kde – where
• kedy – when
• prečo – why
• ako – how
• koľko – how many/how much
• ktorý – which (used for selection)

These pronouns are the building blocks for asking questions in Slovak. Let's look at each one in more detail.

Using 'kto' and 'čo' – Who and What

Kto is used to ask about people, while čo is used to ask about things or actions.

Asking About Place and Time: 'kde' and 'kedy'

To ask about location, use kde. To ask about time, use kedy.

Asking Reasons and Manner: 'prečo' and 'ako'

Use prečo to ask why something happens, and ako to ask how something is done.

Quantities and Choices: 'koľko' and 'ktorý'

Kkoľko asks about quantity, and ktorý asks about selection among options.

Forming Questions in Slovak

In Slovak, questions can be formed in several ways. The most common method is by using interrogative pronouns at the beginning of the sentence. The word order in questions is often similar to statements, but intonation and context indicate a question.

Yes/No Questions

Yes/no questions can be formed by intonation alone or by adding the particle či before the verb or clause.

Questions with Interrogative Pronouns

When using interrogative pronouns, place them at the beginning of the sentence.

Examples of Full Questions

• Kto je tvoj učiteľ? – Who is your teacher?
• Čo chceš jesť? – What do you want to eat?
• Kde je knižnica? – Where is the library?
• Kedy začína hodina? – When does the lesson start?
• Prečo si smutný? – Why are you sad?
• Ako sa máš? – How are you?
• Koľko to stojí? – How much does it cost?
• Ktorý film sa ti páči? – Which movie do you like?