Episode 19 (daily podcast CZECH YOUR DAY) transcript included

THIS WEEK’S TOPIC: DOUBLE NEGATIVE IN CZECH

THE TRANSCRIPT/HANDOUT IS DOWN BELOW

Mastering Czech Double Negatives: Idioms and Phrases to Boost Your Fluency

In this blog post, we’ll delve into frequent idioms and sayings using NIC, NIKDO, and NIKDE. Let’s get started!

The Power of Double Negatives

In Czech, double negatives are commonly used and sometimes essential for proper expression. Understanding and using these correctly will truly enrich your Czech language skills.

Dive into Expressions

Here are some frequent expressions you might find useful:

1. Pro nic za nic
   Translation: For nothing at all, without a serious reason.
   Example: Neučím se češtinu jen tak pro nic za nic. Chci lidem rozumět a umět se domluvit.
   (I don’t learn Czech for nothing. I want to understand people and be able to communicate.)
2. Nikde ani noha
   Translation: Literally not a foot anywhere, meaning there is/was nobody
   Example: Včera nebyla nikde ani noha. Všichni byli doma, protože hodně pršelo.
   (There was nobody yesterday. All people were at home because it was raining heavily.)
3. Nikde nikdo
   Translation: No one anywhere
   Example: Ulice jsou úplně prázdné. Nikde nikdo.
   (Streets are totally empty. There is nobody.)
4. Nikde to nemůžu najít
   Translation: I can’t find it anywhere.
   Example: Nikde to nemůžu najít. Můžeš mi prosím pomoct?
   (I can’t find it anywhere. Can you help me, please?)
5. Nedá se nic dělat
   Translation: Nothing can be done.
6. To mi nic neříká
   Translation: (literally) That doesn’t tell me anything,- real meaning:it doesn’t ring a bell.
7. Nemám s tím nic společného
   Translation: I have nothing to do with this.