Ways to say it
| Czech | IPA |
|---|---|
| báječný | [ˈbaːjɛt͡ʃniː] (narrow) |
| skvělý | [ˈskvjɛliː] (narrow) |
Both Czech words are used to describe something excellent or extremely impressive. Skvělý is typically used to describe high quality, performance or skill, while báječný often implies a sense of wonder, such as something marvelous or dreamlike.
Which one should you use?
skvělý is often used for things like being great, brilliant or superb, particularly regarding performance or quality. In contrast, báječný carries a more whimsical or magical connotation, similar to 'marvelous' or 'dreamlike' and is frequently used for experiences or people.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both adjectives must agree with the gender of the noun they describe. For the masculine form skvělý, use skvělá for feminine nouns and skvělé for neuter nouns. For the masculine form báječný, use báječná for feminine nouns and báječné for neuter nouns. If you want to use the word as an adverb (for example, to say someone does something 'wonderfully'), use the form skvěle.
Did you know?
- If you use the word báječný, you are literally describing something as being 'like a tale'. It is derived from the word bajka, meaning 'fairy tale' or 'fable'.
- The word skvělý shares an ancient root with the verb skvít, which means 'to shine'. When you call a performance 'wonderful', you are etymologically suggesting that it 'shines' brightly.
- In Czech, you can use skvěle to mean 'wonderfully' or 'greatly', but it is also the standard way to say 'I am doing great' when someone asks how you are.
Examples in context
- skvělý mužWonderful manThis example shows the use of skvělý to describe a man.
- báječný člověkWonderful personThis example shows the use of báječný to describe a person.
- Je opravdu úžasný výkon, kterého jste dosáhli.You have achieved a truly wonderful performance.
- Tvá prezentace byla vynikající.Your presentation was wonderful.
- To jídlo bylo skvělé!The food was wonderful!
- Dnešní výlet byl opravdu překrásný.Today's trip was truly wonderful.
- To je báječný nápad.That is a wonderful idea.
Example conversation
Tereza and Tomáš are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- TerezaMám báječný nápad na výlet.I have a wonderful idea for a trip.
- TomášTo zní skvěle, Terezo.That sounds great, Tereza.
- TerezaPojedeme do hor, Tomáši.We will go to the mountains, Tomáš.
- TomášTo bude báječný zážitek.That will be a wonderful experience.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wonderful” translations and entries báječný, skvělý, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries báječný, skvělý, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
