TWO VERBS, TWELVE USEFUL FORMS
Slovak byť and mať: stop translating one word at a time.
Learn each six-form set, notice the polite Vy forms, then choose the right verb inside a complete sentence.
English changes be a few times and have only a little. Slovak marks all six person-and-number combinations, so learn the whole set as a rhythm.
THE TWO PRESENT-TENSE SETS
Read down, then practise across.
The pronoun is shown to make the pattern visible. In normal conversation it can often be omitted.
| Person | byť · to be | mať · to have | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| ja | som | mám | I |
| ty | si | máš | you — informal singular |
| on / ona / ono | je | má | he / she / it |
| my | sme | máme | we |
| vy | ste | máte | you — plural or polite singular |
| oni / ony | sú | majú | they |
Forms and ty/Vy usage were checked against the current verb reference at slovake.eu.
USEFUL SENTENCE PAIRS
Som doma. I am at home.
Mám čas. I have time.
Ste doma? Are you at home?
Máte rezerváciu? Do you have a reservation?
Sú v práci. They are at work.
Majú dve deti. They have two children.
ONE IMPORTANT CONTRAST
Nie stays separate with byť. Ne- joins mať.
nie som · nie si · nie je · nie sme · nie ste · nie súI am not · you are not · …
nemám · nemáš · nemá · nemáme · nemáte · nemajúI do not have · you do not have · …
10-QUESTION CHECK
Choose the form before you look back at the table.
Ja ___ z Anglicka.
COMMON BEGINNER QUESTIONS
Clear the four traps before they stick.
Do I always need ja, ty or another subject pronoun?+
No. The verb form normally identifies the person, so Som doma and Mám čas are complete everyday sentences. Use the pronoun when you need contrast or emphasis, or while the pattern is still new.
What is the difference between ty and Vy?+
Ty is informal singular. Vy is plural, but it is also the polite way to address one adult stranger or someone in a formal situation. Use si and máš with ty; use ste and máte with Vy.
How do I make byť negative?+
Put nie before the form: nie som, nie si, nie je, nie sme, nie ste, nie sú. With mať, ne- joins the verb: nemám, nemáš, nemá, nemáme, nemáte, nemajú.
Can I say ja byť for I am?+
No. Byť is the infinitive, like English to be. A present sentence needs the conjugated form: ja som or simply som.
MOVE FROM THREE CHOICES TO YOUR OWN SENTENCE
Bring one thing you need to say to a free 15-minute call.
Emmka can help you choose the form, fix the sentence and repeat it naturally. No payment or commitment.