čas
[ˈt͡ʃas]
The English phrase "the time" is translated into Czech as čas.
čas is used to refer to the general concept of duration or the abstract progression of existence.
Which one should you use?
While čas refers to the abstract concept of time or duration, the word hodina is used when referring to a specific hour or a single unit of clock time.
How does it change in a sentence?
čas behaves as a masculine animate noun. In certain grammatical constructions, such as the genitive case, it changes to the form času. For example, you would say mám málo času to mean "I have little time".
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using čas when you want to ask for the specific time of day. While čas means the concept of time, to ask "What time is it?", you should use the phrase Kolik hodin je? instead.
When do people say it?
In formal situations, Czech speakers use a 24-hour clock format.
Did you know?
- If you ask for čas instead of hodiny when checking your watch, you might sound like a philosopher contemplating the nature of existence rather than a person looking for the bus.
- Czech speakers use the phrase čas se plní to suggest that a prophecy or a predetermined destiny is currently unfolding.
- In some contexts, čas can refer to a rhythm or a beat in music, acting as a marker for a specific pulse.
Examples in context
- Nyní je čas odejít.Now is the time to leave.This example shows how to use čas to indicate a specific moment for an action.Tatoeba #12178023 by jms, translation #12088300 by CK
- Co děláš, abys zabil čas?What are you doing to kill the time?This sentence demonstrates the idiom of using čas to mean passing time.Tatoeba #3244039 by Glutexo, translation #8407943 by Ergulis
- Nadešel čas s tím přestat.The time has come to stop doing that.This example uses čas to describe a moment that has arrived.Tatoeba #10503221 by Ergulis, translation #10503172 by CK
- Kolik je hodin?What's the time?
- Je devět a deset.It is nine ten.
- Je skoro osm.It is almost eight.
- je flek po devítiIt is ten minutes past nine
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jan and Kateřina are talking in a park about their daily schedule.
- JanMáš dneska dost času?Do you have enough time today?
- KateřinaAno, mám dnes volný čas.Yes, I have free time today.
- JanTo je dobrá zpráva.That is good news.
- KateřinaMůžeme si popovídat.We can talk.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry čas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
