šváb
masculine
The English word "cockroach" is translated into Slovak as šváb.
šváb refers to the type of insect known as a cockroach.
Meaning: type of insect (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word šváb is a masculine noun. In the singular, the dative form (used to mean "to the cockroach") is švábovi. In the plural, the dative form (used to mean "to the cockroaches") is švábom.
Did you know?
- In Slovak, the word šváb can be used colloquially to describe a person who is perceived as sleazy, untrustworthy or low-life.
- Slovaks may use the diminutive švábik to refer to the insect, which creates a paradoxical 'cute' sound for a creature most find repulsive.
- While it looks and sounds similar to the English word 'swab', the Slovak šváb has no linguistic connection to it at all.
Examples in context
- Je to šváb.It's a cockroach.This sentence is useful for identifying a cockroach using the form šváb.Tatoeba #13101003 by Adelpa, translation #12128192 by ddnktr
- Čo to tu máme? Mali sme návštevu od malého švábika.What do we have here? We had a visit from a little roachie.
- Ten šváb je veľmi rýchly.That cockroach is very fast.
- Videla som v kuchyni šváb.I saw a cockroach in the kitchen.
Example conversation
Michal and Zuzana are in their kitchen at night.
- MichalZuzana, vidíš ten šváb?Zuzana, do you see that cockroach?
- ZuzanaÁno, je pri stene.Yes, it is by the wall.
- MichalMusíme ho okamžite odstrániť.We must get rid of it immediately.
- ZuzanaMáš pravdu, je to hnusné.You are right, it is disgusting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cockroach” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
