veľa šťastia
The English phrase "good luck" is translated into Slovak as veľa šťastia.
veľa šťastia is used to wish fortune upon someone or to provide encouragement.
Meaning: used to wish fortune on someone or as encouragement (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "much luck".
Which one should you use?
While veľa šťastia is a standard way to wish someone luck, it is more common to use Držím palce when wishing someone luck for a specific performance or exam.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase veľa šťastia, the word šťastia is the genitive singular form of šťastie (luck/happiness). This specific form is required because it follows the quantifier veľa (much/many).
Did you know?
- While veľa šťastia is a general wish, the phrase Držím palce literally means 'I am holding thumbs', which is the Slovak equivalent of 'crossing your fingers'.
- In Slovak, the word šťastie covers both the English concepts of 'luck' and 'happiness', making it impossible to distinguish between them without context.
- In many Slovak contexts, instead of wishing for 'luck', people might say Nech sa darí, which translates to 'May it succeed for you'.
Examples in context
- To je to čo voláš veľa šťastia.That's what you call good luck.This sentence shows how to use the phrase veľa šťastia in a description.Tatoeba #4404794 by Evie, translation #4404646 by Evie
- Veľa šťastia!Good luck to you!This sentence demonstrates the phrase veľa šťastia used as a direct exclamation.Tatoeba #8963203 by Dominika7, translation #64535 by CK
- Veľa šťastia.Good luck.This sentence shows the phrase veľa šťastia used as a simple well-wish.Tatoeba #13426635 by Adelpa, translation #239431 by sacredceltic
- Pracovné rozhovory sú nervózne. Veľa šťastia na tvojom stretnutí!Job interviews can be nerve-wracking. Good luck on your interview!
- Dnes máš dôležitý večierok. Veľa šťastia!You have an important party tonight. Good luck!
- Máš rozhovor o prácu? Fajn! Držím palce, budeš mať ten job istý!You have a job interview? Cool! I'm keeping my fingers crossed, you'll definitely get the job!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Michal is seeing Dana off before her big job interview.
- MichalVeľa šťastia na tom pohovore, Dana.Good luck at that interview, Dana.
- DanaĎakujem veľmi pekne, Michale.Thank you very much, Michal.
- MichalVerím ti, že to zvládneš.I believe you will handle it.
- DanaDúfam, že áno.I hope so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good luck” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
