Learn Slovak and More Podcast

Today's episode is about the 60th anniversary of the “the Slovak sea” called Zemplínska šírava. In the Slovak lesson, you are going to practice a few examples of Perfective / Imperfective Pairs in the future tense. You will also learn how to say “We’ll celebrate the anniversary together“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode is an authentic invitation to celebrate the anniversary of Zemplínska šírava.
Episode notes
In today's episode, I’m talking about the 60th anniversary of the “the Slovak sea” called Zemplínska šírava. In the Slovak lesson, you are going to practice a few examples of Perfective / Imperfective Pairs in the future tense. You will also learn how to say “We’ll celebrate the anniversary together“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode is an authentic invitation to celebrate the anniversary of Zemplínska šírava.
Slovak lesson
1. To get up: Vstávať / Vstať
Imperfective (Vstávať): Každý deň budem vstávať o siedmej. (I will be getting up at seven every day.) — Focus: Habit.
Perfective (Vstať): Zajtra vstanem o piatej. (Tomorrow I will get up at five.) — Focus: A specific one-time event.
2. To shower: Sprchovať sa / Osprchovať sa
Imperfective (Sprchovať sa): Budem sa dlho sprchovať. (I will be showering for a long time.) — Focus: The duration.
Perfective (Osprchovať sa): Rýchlo sa osprchujem. (I will take a shower quickly.) — Focus: Finishing the task.
3. To cook: Variť / Uvariť
Imperfective (Variť): Alena bude variť obed. (Alena will be cooking lunch.) — Focus: The activity of cooking.
Perfective (Uvariť): Uvarí fazuľovú polievku. (She will cook bean soup.) — Focus: The finished result, the soup will be finished.
4. To eat: Jesť / Zjesť 
Imperfective (Jesť): Večer budeme jesť pirohy. (We will be eating pierogi in the evening - enjoying it.) — Focus on the activity).
Perfective (Zjesť): Zjeme všetky pirohy. (We will eat all pierogi / everything.) — Focus on pirohy being gone, finishing the activity).
5. To play: Hrať (sa) / Zahrať (sa)
Imperfective (Hrať sa): Deti sa budú hrať v parku. (The children will be playing in the park.) — Focus: The act of playing.
Perfective (Zahrať sa): Zahrajú sa na slepú babu.  (They will play hide and seek.) — Focus: One specific game.
Phrase for today:
Oslávime výročie spolu. (We’ll celebrate the anniversary together.) 
ZEMPLÍNSKA ŠÍRAVA OSLAVUJE 60 ROKOV!
Príďte zažiť jedinečné oslavy jedného z najobľúbenejších miest východného Slovenska. Zemplínska šírava tento rok oslavuje svoje 60. výročie a pri tejto príležitosti vás čaká bohatý program, plný zážitkov pre všetky vekové kategórie.
 Termín: 30. – 31. máj 2026
 Miesto: Stredisko Medvedia hora & Penzión Anima
 Čakajú vás:
– koncerty a hudobný program
– sprievodné aktivity a atrakcie
– gastro zóna s chutným občerstvením
– program pre rodiny aj priateľov
A nebude chýbať vystúpenie folklórnych súborov Zemplín a Jurošík!
Zažite atmosféru Šíravy tak, ako ju možno ešte nepoznáte – plnú života, hudby a dobrej nálady. Vezmite rodinu, priateľov a príďte osláviť 60 rokov Šíravy spolu s nami!
TRANSLATION:
ZEMPLÍNSKA ŠÍRAVA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS!
Come and experience the unique celebrations of one of the most popular towns in eastern Slovakia. Zemplínska Šírava celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and on this occasion a rich program, full of experiences, awaits all age groups.
Date: May 30th – 31st, 2026
Location: Medvedia hora Resort & Anima Guesthouse
You can expect:
– concerts and a musical program
– accompanying activities and attractions
– a gastro zone with delicious refreshments
– a program for families and friends
And there will also be a performance of the Zemplín and Jurošík Folklore Ensembles!
Experience the atmosphere of Šírava as you may not know it yet - full of life, music and good mood. Bring your family, friends and come celebrate 60 years of Šírava with us!
Timestamps
00:35 introduction to the episode
02:25 About Zemplínska šírava
05:34 Fun fact 1
08:43 Fun fact 2
11:40 Slovak leson
18:45 Zemplínska šírava flyer in Slovak
20:05 Translation of Zemplínska šírava in English
20:05 Final thoughts
If you have any questions, send it to my email [email protected]. Check my  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bozenasslovak/ where I am posting the pictures of what I am talking about on my podcast. Also, check my website  https://www.bozenasslovak.com
© All copywrites reserved to Bozena Ondova Hilko LLC

Today's episode is about what to do in Nitra if you have only one day for a visit. In the Slovak lesson, you are going to learn a few new words from my legend. You will also learn how to say “This is my opinion“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode is my version of the legend about the prince called Vazul.
Episode notes
In today's episode, I’m talking about what to do in Nitra if you have only one day for a visit. In the Slovak lesson, you are going to learn a few new words from my legend. You will also learn how to say “This is my opinion“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode is my version of the legend about the prince called Vazul.
Slovak lesson
1.    patriť (to belong)
2.    silný nárok (strong claim)
3.    následník trónu (heir to the throne)
4.    presvedčiť (to persuade)
5.    prikázať (to command)
6.    zajať (to capture)
7.    uväzniť (to imprison)
8.    považovať (to consider)
9.    rozhodnut (to decide)
10. zabezpečiť (to ensure)
11. To je moj nazor. (This is my opinion.)
LEGENDA O VAZULOVI
Niekde vo svete je svetadiel Európa. Niekde v tej Európe je krajina Uhorsko. A v tom Uhorsku, na hornej zemi v tom Uhorsku, žil urodzený šľachtic menom Vazul. Vazul patril k mocnej dynastii Arpádovcov, bol bratrancom kráľa Štefana I. a podľa vtedajších pravidiel mal silný nárok na uhorskú korunu. Keď zomrel syn Štefana I., Vazul sa zrazu stal následníkom trónu.
Avšak kráľ Štefan, respektíve jeho manželka Gisela, mala iné plány. Namiesto Vazula chcela, aby po Štefanovi vládol jej synovec Peter Orseolo. A tak presvedčila svojho manžela, že Vazul je pre jeho kráľovstvo nebezpečný. Kráľ Štefan teda prikázal Vazulu zajať a uväzniť na Nitrianskom hrade. 
Spočiatku stačilo väznenie. Ale vždy tu existoval strach, že ak by Vazul utiekol, ľudia by ho považovali za právoplatného vládcu. A tak bolo prijaté temnejšie rozhodnutie. Do Vazulovej cely boli poslaní muži. Nie preto, aby ho oslobodili, ale aby zabezpečili, že nikdy nebude vládnuť. To, čo sa potom stalo, ľudia opisali ako najkrutejší teror. Boli mu vylúpené oči, aby už nikdy nevidel žiadne kráľovstvo. A do uší mu naliali roztavené olovo, aby nikdy nepočul svet vonku.
Ale táto legenda sa nekončí úplne v temnote. Pretože zatiaľ čo Vazul trpel, a nakoniec aj zomrel, v hradbách hradu, jeho trom synom – Leventemu, Ondrejovi a Bélovi – sa podarilo utiecť. Utiekli ďaleko do exilu a niesli so sebou nielen svoje životy, ale aj príbeh svojho otca. O niekoľko rokov neskôr sa vrátili. A tichým zvratom osudu to bola Vazulova krvná línia – nie kráľov vyvolený dedič – ktorá naďalej vládla. A každý budúci kráľ z dynastie Árpádovcov pochádzal z tejto Vazulovej krvi. A tak sa naplnil Vazulov osud.
Timestamps
00:34 Introduction to the episode
02:19 One day itinerary of Nitra
05:56 Fun fact
10:05 Slovak lesson
14:08 Legend about Vazul in Slovak
17:06 Translation of the legend
19:53 Final thoughts

If you have any questions, send it to my email [email protected]. Check my  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bozenasslovak/ where I am posting the pictures of what I am talking about on my podcast. Also, check my website  https://www.bozenasslovak.com
© All copywrites reserved to Bozena Ondova Hilko LLC

Today's episode is about the seven hills of Nitra. In the Slovak lesson, I’m explaining the idiom "Raz za uhorský rok". You will also learn how to say “Once in a blue moon” in Slovak. At the end of this episode is the official anthem of Nitra city.
Episode notes
In today's episode, I’m talking about the seven hills of Nitra. In the Slovak lesson, I’m explaining the idiom "Raz za uhorský rok". You will also learn how to say “Once in a blue moon” in Slovak. At the end of this episode is the official anthem of Nitra city.
Slovak lesson
Today's phrase  is: "Raz za uhorský rok" (“Once in a blue moon")
This phrase is purely colloquial and does not refer to a specific amount of time. It is used to emphasize a massive gap between events or to express skepticism that something will ever happen. 
Slovak song Nitra, milá Nitra
1.    Nitra, milá Nitra, ty vysoká Nitra, 
          Nitra, milá Nitra, ty vysoká Nitra, 
          kdeže sú tie časy, kdeže sú tie časy, v ktorých si ty kvitla.
2.    Ty si bola niekdy všetkých krajín hlava, 
          ty si bola niekdy všetkých krajín hlava, 
          v ktorých tečie Dunaj, v ktorých tečie Dunaj, Visla i Morava. 
3.    Ty si bola sídlo kráľa Svätopluka, 
          ty si bola sídlo kráľa Svätopluka, 
          keď tu panovala, keď tu panovala jeho mocná ruka. 
4.    Ty si bola sväté mesto Methodovo, 
          ty si bola sväté mesto Methodovo, 
          keď tu našim otcom, keď tu našim otcom kázal božie slovo.
Translation
1.    [: Nitra, dear Nitra, you high Nitra, :]
          where are those times, where are those times in which you flourished.
2.   [: You were once the head of all countries, :]
          in which the Danube flows, in which the Danube, Vistula and Morava flow.
3.   [: You were the seat of King Svätopluk, :]
          when his mighty hand reigned here, when his mighty hand reigned here.
4.   [: You were the holy city of Methodius, :]
          when here to our fathers, when here to our fathers he preached the word of God.
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRuBYMftKdk 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXjfkEw6bVM (with lyrics)
 Timestamps
00:35 Introduction to the episode
02:17 Seven Hills of Nitra
04:02 Fun fact 1
04:56 Fun fact 2
08:40 Fun fact 3
13:45 Slovak lesson
16:28 About the song Nitra, milá Nitra
18:30 Lyrics of the song Nitra, milá Nitra
19:27 English translation of the lyrics
20:26 Final thoughts
If you have any questions, send it to my email [email protected]. Check my  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bozenasslovak/ where I am posting the pictures of what I am talking about on my podcast. Also, check my website  https://www.bozenasslovak.com
© All copywrites reserved to Bozena Ondova Hilko LLC

Today's episode is about the history of the city of Nitra in Slovakia. In the Slovak lesson, you are going to learn about the meaning of a Slovak phrase "v tejto veci taká vec". You will also learn how to say “This is a nice place” in Slovak. At the end of the episode are my two short dialects.
Episode notes
In today's episode, I’m talking about the history of the city of Nitra in Slovakia. In the Slovak lesson, you are going to learn about the meaning of a Slovak phrase "v tejto veci taká vec". You will also learn how to say “This is a nice place” in Slovak. At the end of the episode are my two short dialects.
Slovak lesson
Slovak saying "v tejto veci taká vec" is not slang but a filler phrase. 
DIALOGUE 1: Je to úradná záležitosť. (It's an official matter.)
Fero: Čau Jano, počuj, ohľadom toho nášho výletu... no, prišlo mi do toho niečo dôležité. (Hey Jano, listen, about our trip... well, something important came up.)
 Jano: Zase? Čo sa stalo tentokrát? (Again? What happened this time?)
 Fero: Vieš, ako sa hovorí... jednoducho sa vyskytla v tejto veci taká vec, že to dnes asi nestihnem. (You know how it goes... basically, in this matter, such a matter has occurred that I probably won't make it today.)
 Jano: V akej veci aká vec? Fero, prestaň hovoriť ako politik a povedz mi na rovinu, že sa ti nechce! (In what matter what matter? Fero, stop talking like a politician and just tell me straight that you don't feel like going!)
 Fero: Ale nie, vážne! Je to proste taká... no... úradná záležitosť. (No, really! It's just such a... well... official matter.)
DIALOGUE 2: Nepredvídateľná záležitosť (An unpredictable matter)
Šéfka: Pán Kováč, pozreli ste sa na tie meškajúce faktúry? Klient sa už sťažoval. (Mr. Kováč, did you look into those delayed invoices? The client has already complained.)
 Kováč: Áno, pani riaditeľka, samozrejme. Práve som to riešil s účtovným oddelením. (Yes, Director, of course. I was just discussing it with the accounting department.)
 Šéfka: A výsledok? Kedy to bude hotové? (And the result? When will it be done?)
 Kováč: No, viete... v tejto veci taká vec, že musíme počkať na potvrdenie z banky. (Well, you see... in this matter, such a matter that we have to wait for confirmation from the bank.)
 Šéfka: Aká vec? Buďte konkrétny. (What matter / thing? Be specific.)
 Kováč: Ide o technickú chybu v systéme, proste taká... nepredvídateľná záležitosť. (It's a technical error in the system, just such an... unpredictable issue.)
Timestamps
00:34 Introduction to the episode
02:19 The oldest city in Slovakia
03:42 Fun fact
08:43 Slovak lesson
11:57 Dialogue 1
14:18 Dialogue 2
17:49 Final thoughts
If you have any questions, send it to my email [email protected]. Check my  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bozenasslovak/ where I am posting the pictures of what I am talking about on my podcast. Also, check my website  https://www.bozenasslovak.com
© All copywrites reserved to Bozena Ondova Hilko LLC

Today's episode is about what to do in Trenčín when it rains. In the Slovak lesson, you are going to learn a few new verbs from my short article. You will also learn how to say “A rainy day is no problem.“ in Slovak.
Episode notes
In today's episode, I’m answering a question about what to do in Trenčín when it rains. In the Slovak lesson, you are going to learn a few new verbs from my short article. You will also learn how to say “A rainy day is no problem.“ in Slovak.
Slovak lesson
1.    zničiť (to destroy)
2.    zmeniť (to change)
3.    predstaviť si (to imagine)
4.    vychutnať si (to enjoy)
5.    vstúpiť (to enter)
6.    zahriať sa (warm up)
7.    načerpať energiu (energize)
8.    vyskúšať (try out)
9.    riešiť hádanky (solve puzzles)
10. daždivý deň (rainy day)
11. Daždivý deň nie je problém. (A rainy day is no problem.)
Timestamps
00:34 Introduction to the episode
02:13 About what to do in Trenčín when it rains
07:00 Fun fact 1
08:01 Fun fact 2
13:26 Slovak lesson
17:59 When it rains in Trenčín in Slovak
20:37 When it rains in Trenčín in English
22:58 Final thoughts
If you have any questions, send it to my email [email protected]. Check my  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bozenasslovak/ where I am posting the pictures of what I am talking about on my podcast. Also, check my website  https://www.bozenasslovak.com
© All copywrites reserved to Bozena Ondova Hilko LLC