mluvit
[ˈmluvɪt]imperfective
The English phrase "speak" can be translated into Czech as mluvit or umět.
Meaning: to be able to communicate in a language (verb)
Ways to say it
| Czech | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mluvit | [ˈmluvɪt] (narrow) | imperfective |
| umět | [ˈumɲɛt] (narrow) | imperfective |
Both verbs relate to communication, but they are used in different contexts. Use mluvit to describe the physical act of speaking or the process of talking. Use umět to express the ability or the skill of being able to communicate in a specific language.
Which one should you use?
The distinction between the two depends on whether you are discussing an action or a skill. mluvit is used for the action of speaking or talking. In contrast, umět is used when you want to say you "speak" (know) a language, implying the competence to do so.
How does it change in a sentence?
mluvit is an imperfective verb, which means it is used to describe an ongoing or repeated action rather than a completed one.
Did you know?
- If you say you 'umíte' a language, you are technically saying you possess the 'art' or 'skill' of it, as the root of umět is linked to the concept of being an expert or an artist.
- The Czech verb umět is the same word used to say that you 'know how to' perform a task, such as 'umět plavat' meaning 'to know how to swim'.
- The expression mluvit v kruzích means 'to speak in circles', mirroring the English idiom and showing a shared way of describing repetitive communication.
Examples in context
- Bál jsem se mluvit.I was afraid to speak.This sentence shows the use of mluvit regarding the fear of speaking.Tatoeba #10090692 by aldar, translation #3734151 by CK
- Můžeš s ním mluvit.You may speak to him.This sentence demonstrates the use of mluvit when asking if someone may speak to another person.Tatoeba #11810247 by aldar, translation #285205 by CK
- Mohu mluvit s Tomem?Could I speak to Tom?This sentence illustrates the use of mluvit when asking for permission to speak to someone.Tatoeba #7926779 by aldar, translation #5294548 by CK
- 90 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucie and Jakub are meeting at a language exchange event.
- LucieAhoj, chceš mluvit česky?Hi, do you want to speak Czech?
- JakubAno, ale neumím mluvit moc dobře.Yes, but I cannot speak very well.
- LucieJe v pořádku, můžeme mluvit pomalu.It's okay, we can speak slowly.
- JakubDěkuji, rád budu mluvit s tebou.Thank you, I will be glad to speak with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “speak” translations and entries mluvit, umět, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
