Ahoj,
As you may know, in Slovak, you can address somebody either with formal or informal you (in case you haven’t heard about it yet, we recommend reading this article). Their usage depends on the level of familiarity, formality, or respect you want to convey in a conversation.
Let’s practice on these model situations:
# 1 When attending a job interview, what form of address is appropriate?
a) "Ty"
b) "Vy"
# 2 Your new neighbour, a student who is the same age as you, invites you for a coffee. Which form of "You" should you use?
a) "Ty"
b) "Vy"
# 3 Your university professor, who is also a respected expert in your field, greets you. What is the appropriate form of address?
a) "Ty"
b) "Vy"
# 4 You are ordering a coffee from a barista who looks the same age as you. How do you address her?
a) "Ty"
b) "Vy"
# 5 You are asking your Slovak landlord for some information. How do you start the conversation?
a) "Dobrý deň!"
b) "Ahoj!"
Source: Unsplash
Answers:
# 1 b) "Vy" (Using a formal approach in professional situations)
# 2 a) "Ty" (Appropriate for friends or peers of the same age)
# 3 b) "Vy" (Acknowledging the academic and professional respect)
# 4 b) "Vy" (Respectful way of addressing someone in a service role)
# 5 a) "Dobrý deň!" (Addressing your landlord formally with "Dobrý deň!" shows respect in a more professional context)
How well did you do in the quiz? Share your results and let us know if you found it helpful in navigating social interactions during your time in Slovakia!
Andrea, OLS Community Manager – Slovak