Episode 32 (daily podcast CZECH YOUR DAY) transcript included

THIS WEEK’S TOPIC: WHAT TIME IS IT/KOLIK JE HODIN (part 2)

THE TRANSCRIPT/HANDOUT IS DOWN BELOW

Expressing ‚Quarter To‘ in Czech

In previous episodes, we discussed how to say „quarter past.“ Today, we’re focusing on the enigmatic „quarter to,“ which can be a bit tricky. In Czech, the phrase „quarter to“ is actually expressed as „three quarters to,“ which translates to „TŘI ČTVRTĚ.“ It’s a fun little tongue twister, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

Understanding the Structure

Just like with „quarter past,“ when expressing time in Czech, the upcoming hour is used.

1. Je tři čtvrtě na jednu.
   • It is quarter to one.
2. Je tři čtvrtě na dvě.
   • It is quarter to two.
3. Je tři čtvrtě na tři.
   • It is quarter to three.
4. Je tři čtvrtě na čtyři.
   • It is quarter to four.
5. Je tři čtvrtě na pět.
   • It is quarter to five.
6. Je tři čtvrtě na šest.
   • It is quarter to six.
7. Je tři čtvrtě na sedm.
   • It is quarter to seven.
8. Je tři čtvrtě na osm.
   • It is quarter to eight.
9. Je tři čtvrtě na devět.
   • It is quarter to nine.
10. Je tři čtvrtě na deset.
    • It is quarter to ten.
11. Je tři čtvrtě na jedenáct.
    • It is quarter to eleven.
12. Je tři čtvrtě na dvanáct.
    • It is quarter to twelve.

Practice these expressions regularly, and soon, they will roll off your tongue naturally.

A Few Cultural Tips

When expressing TŘI ČTVRTĚ in Czech, only numbers from one to twelve are used, which means the 12-hour system is in play.

Also, bear in mind that Czech don’t speak like textbooks most of the time.

Listen to the episode to hear the differences with some numbers.

Here is one of the conversations mentioned in today’s episode:

• „Hele, nevíš kolik je hodin?“ translates to „Hey, do you know what time it is?“ (hele is really informal – don’t use it in formal situations)
• „Tři čtvrtě na osm,“ casually stating „It’s fifteen minutes to eight.“

Would you like more?

Check these episodes:

• #31: Tick Tock Czech: Quarter Past (ČTVRT NA) Made Easy
• #33: Mastering CZECH Perfective Verbs in Tomorrow’s Routine – ZÍTRA VSTANU (short story)
• #34: Learning with Joy and Efficiency: My Language Journey Hacks
• #35: Daily Routine Unveiled: CZECH Perfective & Imperfective Verbs in Action – VSTÁVÁM X VSTANU (STORY)