roztomilý
[ˈrostomɪliː]
The English phrase "cute" is translated into Czech as roztomilý.
roztomilý is used to describe something that is attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way. It is the standard term for cuteness in Czech. While roztomilý focuses on being adorable, it is distinct from the word příjemný, which is used when something is simply pleasant or nice.
Meaning: attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, roztomilý changes its ending to match the gender and number of the noun it describes. Use roztomilá for feminine nouns, roztomilé for neuter nouns and roztomilí when describing a group of men or masculine-animate beings.
When do people say it?
In Czech, if you wish to address a person or a thing in an endearing way, you might use the term Zlatíčko, which translates to "sweetie".
Did you know?
- Czech has a high number of diminutive suffixes that can make almost any noun 'cute' without using the adjective roztomilý. For example, a 'dog' pes becomes a 'cute little dog' pejsík.
- While an English speaker might call a person 'cute' to mean 'attractive', using roztomilý for an adult person in Czech can sometimes sound patronizing, as if you are treating them like a small child or a pet.
- The word shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'mild', tracing back to the same Proto-Indo-European root that implies being gentle or pleasant.
Examples in context
- Tenhle pes je roztomilý.This dog is cute.This sentence shows how to use roztomilý to describe a dog.Tatoeba #11337862 by Ergulis, translation #11336864 by CK
- Tenhle tučňák je roztomilý.This penguin is so cute.This sentence uses roztomilý to describe a penguin.Tatoeba #9080610 by Ergulis, translation #9080603 by Nylez
- Tenhle tučňák je vážně roztomilý.This penguin is really cute.This sentence uses roztomilý to emphasize that a penguin is really cute.Tatoeba #4725440 by lipao, translation #2871215 by Hybrid
- Ten kocour je roztomilýThat cat is cute
- Ty jsi zlatíčkoYou are a sweetie
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jakub and Tereza are looking at a photo of a kitten.
- JakubPodívej se na tohle kotě.Look at this kitten.
- TerezaJe fakt roztomilý!It's really cute!
- JakubChceš si ho adoptovat?Do you want to adopt it?
- TerezaAno, je moc roztomilý.Yes, it is very cute.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry roztomilý, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries roztomilý, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
