dívka
[ˈɟiːfka]feminine
The English word girl is translated into Czech using several forms, the default being dívka. Wiktionary also lists holka and děvče.
Meaning: young female person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Czech | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dívka | [ˈɟiːfka] (narrow) | feminine |
| holka | [ˈɦolka] (narrow) | feminine |
| děvče | [ˈɟɛft͡ʃɛ] (narrow) | neuter |
| holčička | [ˈɦolt͡ʃɪt͡ʃka] (narrow) | feminine |
All these terms refer to a young female person.
Which one should you use?
While dívka and holka are feminine nouns, děvče is a neuter noun. The form holčička is a diminutive used to refer to a very young girl or to express endearment, translating to little girl.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
holka is an informal and colloquial way to say girl, whereas dívka is more standard. holčička serves as a diminutive for affection or to specify a very young child.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because děvče is neuter, it requires neuter adjective agreement in a sentence, unlike the feminine forms dívka and holka.
Did you know?
- The word holka may have originated from the word holý, meaning 'hairless', implying a person with a shaved or bare head.
- Although dívka refers to a girl, the related word děvka is used as a derogatory term for a prostitute.
- If you use the diminutive holčička to refer to an adult woman, it can sound patronizing or condescending rather than affectionate.
Examples in context
- Ta dívka je Irka.The girl is Irish.This sentence is useful for identifying a person's nationality using dívka.Tatoeba #4139919 by lipao, translation #4079380 by muriloricci
- Ta dívka je Mary.That girl is Mary.This sentence is useful for introducing a person by name using dívka.Tatoeba #7114932 by Ergulis, translation #4530155 by CK
- Ta holka je hezká.The girl is pretty.This sentence is useful for describing someone's appearance using holka.Tatoeba #3421616 by nueby, translation #2002543 by bichodebola
- Pošlete dívce pozvánku na večírek.Send an invitation to the girl for the party.
- Ahoj, holčičko! Jak se máš?Hi, little girl! How are you?
- Pošli holce SMS.Send a text message to the girl.
- Ta holka je úžasná!That girl is amazing!
- 118 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking at a park about a child playing nearby.
- LukášTa dívka si hraje na travě.That girl is playing on the grass.
- KateřinaAno, je to velmi milá dívka.Yes, she is a very sweet girl.
- LukášKateřino, vidíš tu dívku?Kateřina, do you see that girl?
- KateřinaVidím ji, Lukáši.I see her, Lukáš.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “girl” translations and entries dívka, holka, děvče, holčička, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dívka, děvče, holka, holčička, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
