velmi dobře
[ˈvɛlmɪ ˈdobr̝ɛ]word by word
velmi dobře is the Czech way to say very good.
The phrase is used to describe a high level of quality or to indicate that something is going well.
Which one should you use?
While velmi dobře is often translated as 'very good' in English, it functions grammatically as 'very well' in Czech and is used to describe how an action is performed or how someone is doing.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to use 'very good' as an adjective to describe a noun, such as 'a very good book', you must use the adjective form velmi dobrý instead of the adverb velmi dobře.
Did you know?
- The root of dobře is part of a Proto-Indo-European family that includes words meaning 'fit' or 'suitable', suggesting that 'good' originally meant 'being in the right state'.
- In a formal school setting, a teacher might say velmi dobře to a student, but the highest praise is often reserved for the grade 'výborně' (excellent).
- Depending on the tone, saying dobře with a falling intonation can signal reluctant acceptance rather than genuine satisfaction.
Examples in context
- Velmi dobře se bavím.I'm having a very good time.This sentence shows how to use velmi dobře to describe how someone is enjoying themselves.Tatoeba #8221303 by Ergulis, translation #7737356 by CK
- V modré vypadáš velmi dobře.You look very good in blue.This sentence uses velmi dobře to describe how someone looks in a specific color.Tatoeba #8070226 by aldar, translation #34126 by CK
- Tato žena vypadá velmi dobře.This woman is very good looking.This sentence uses velmi dobře to describe someone's appearance.Tatoeba #8911528 by Ergulis, translation #1585198 by Gulliver
- Tento překlad je velmi dobrýThis translation is very good
- Jeho výkon byl skvělýHis performance was excellent
- Tato práce je vynikajícíThis work is outstanding
- Děkuji, cítím se moc dobřeThank you, I feel very good
- Ten film byl úžasně dobrýThe movie was amazingly good
- Velmi dobrá práce!Very good job!
- Jsi skvělý ve vaření.You are very good at cooking.
- Tvoje odpovědi jsou vynikající.Your answers are outstanding.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jakub and Tereza are discussing a project at work.
- JakubJak se ti daří s novým úkolem?How is it going with the new task?
- Terezajde to velmi dobře, už skoro končím.It is going very well, I am almost finished.
- JakubTo je skvělé, můžeš mi to pak ukázat?That is great, can you show it to me later?
- TerezaAno, velmi dobře rozumím tvé žádosti.Yes, I understand your request very well.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (velmi, dobře) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dobře, velmi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
