oběd
[ˈobjɛt]masculine
The English word "lunch" is translated into Czech as oběd.
The term oběd refers to a meal eaten around midday. You can use the phrase na oběd to indicate going to a meal or being invited to lunch. In professional or school settings, the term obědová pauza is the standard way to say "lunch break".
Meaning: meal around midday (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun oběd changes its form depending on the preposition or case used. When used after the preposition k (to/for), such as in the phrase k obědu (for lunch), it becomes obědu. In the instrumental case, such as when using the phrase s obědem (with lunch), the word becomes obědem.
When do people say it?
Czechs often have a main meal during lunchtime, which is traditionally larger and more significant than breakfast or dinner.
Did you know?
- The word oběd is an etymological relative of the word 'offering'. In ancient Slavic traditions, it originally referred to a ritual meal shared as an offering to gods or ancestors.
- Czech etiquette often treats the oběd as a ritualized sequence, where the soup is almost never skipped, unlike in many English-speaking cultures.
- In traditional Czech households, the midday oběd is so central that the evening meal is called večeře, which is typically a much lighter snack compared to the hearty lunch.
Examples in context
- Tom šel na oběd.Tom left for lunch.This sentence shows how to use oběd to indicate leaving for a meal.Tatoeba #9415742 by Ergulis, translation #9415744 by Ergulis
- Co chceš k obědu?What do you want to eat for lunch?This sentence shows the dative form obědu used after the preposition k.Tatoeba #8124582 by Ergulis, translation #4134968 by CK
- Co si dám k obědu?What should I have for lunch?This sentence also demonstrates the use of the form obědu after the preposition k.Tatoeba #10848927 by Ergulis, translation #10847007 by carlosalberto
- Důležitou součástí pracovního dne je pořádný oběd.A substantial lunch is an important part of the workday.
- 161 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jan and Lucie are deciding what to eat at noon.
- JanUž je čas na oběd.It is already time for lunch.
- LucieMáš už nějaký nápad?Do you have an idea yet?
- JanDneska si dám polévku.Today I will have soup.
- LucieTo je dobrý nápad.That is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lunch” translations and entries oběd, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oběd, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
