zastavit
[ˈzastavɪt]
The Czech verb for 'stop' is zastavit.
The verb zastavit is used when you are halting a process, a vehicle or an action. It is specifically used when you are stopping an external object or person. This is distinct from the Czech verb přestat, which is used for ceasing an activity, such as smoking or talking.
Meaning: not to continue (verb)
Which one should you use?
Use the non-reflexive zastavit when you are stopping something or someone else, rather than stopping your own motion.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form zastav is used for informal commands, while the imperative form zastavte is used for formal commands. The related noun zastávka refers to an interruption of travel or a place to get on and off mass transport.
Did you know?
- The word zastavit also means 'to pawn' an item at a pawnshop. This creates a linguistic link between halting a process and putting an object on hold for a loan.
- The distinction between zastavit and přestat is so strict that using zastavit to mean 'stop smoking' would sound as if you are physically grabbing a cigarette mid-air to stop its movement.
- The noun zastávka is versatile enough to describe a physical bus stop, a specific point on a train schedule, and a metaphorical pause in a long life journey.
Examples in context
- Tom nás může zastavit.Tom might stop us.This sentence shows how to use zastavit to express the possibility of someone stopping others.Tatoeba #8600772 by Ergulis, translation #8599854 by CK
- Nic tě nemůže zastavit.Nothing can stop you.This sentence demonstrates the use of zastavit in the context of nothing being able to stop someone.Tatoeba #9949643 by Ergulis, translation #1648504 by Spamster
- Musel jsem je zastavit.I had to stop them.This sentence illustrates the necessity of using zastavit to stop a group of people.Tatoeba #10652273 by aldar, translation #3909385 by CH
- Stůj, prosím!Stop, please!
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jana and Lukáš are walking and Jana sees something interesting.
- JanaLukáši, můžeš prosím zastavit?Lukáš, can you please stop?
- LukášProč chceš zastavit?Why do you want to stop?
- JanaChci si vyfotit ten dům.I want to take a photo of that house.
- LukášDobře, můžeme tady zastavit.All right, we can stop here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zastavit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
