How to Conjugate Slovak Verbs in the Present Tense for English Speakers

Understanding Slovak Present Tense Verbs

In Slovak, the present tense is used to describe actions that are currently happening or habitual actions. Unlike English, Slovak verbs change their endings depending on the subject pronoun. This process is called conjugation.

Subject Pronouns in Slovak

Before conjugating verbs, it's important to know the Slovak subject pronouns, which are often omitted because the verb ending indicates the subject. Here are the pronouns:

• ja (I)
• ty (you - singular informal)
• on (he)
• ona (she)
• ono (it)
• my (we)
• vy (you - plural or formal)
• oni (they - masculine animate)
• ony (they - feminine or neuter)

Regular Verb Conjugation Patterns

Slovak verbs are divided into three conjugation groups based on their infinitive endings: -ať, -iť, and -eť/-ieť. Each group has its own pattern for present tense endings.

Conjugation Example: Verb "robiť" (to do) - Group 3 (-iť)

1. ja robím (I do)
2. ty robíš (you do)
3. on/ona/ono robí (he/she/it does)
4. my robíme (we do)
5. vy robíte (you do)
6. oni/ony robia (they do)

Conjugation Example: Verb "mať" (to have) - Irregular Verb

Some verbs are irregular and do not follow standard patterns. For example, the verb "mať" (to have) conjugates as follows:

1. ja mám (I have)
2. ty máš (you have)
3. on/ona/ono má (he/she/it has)
4. my máme (we have)
5. vy máte (you have)
6. oni/ony majú (they have)

Tips for Learning Slovak Present Tense Conjugation

• Memorize subject pronouns and their verb endings.
• Practice with common regular verbs from each conjugation group.
• Learn irregular verbs separately as they often appear frequently.
• Use flashcards or apps to reinforce conjugation patterns.
• Listen to native speakers to get familiar with pronunciation and usage.

Common Slovak Present Tense Verbs and Their English Translations