Spring is here — and it’s time to clean! In this episode of Slovak Sound Check, we introduce essential vocabulary for everyday chores, from vacuuming and washing dishes to taking out the trash. Along the way, you’ll pick up useful verbs, simple grammar patterns, and practical phrases you can use at home or when sharing a flat.
SSCH_Ep44
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Vocabulary
upratovať = to clean / tidy up
upratovanie = cleaning
jarné upratovanie = spring cleaning
poriadok = tidiness / order
čisté bývanie = clean home
vysávať = to vacuum
vysávanie = vacuuming
vysávač = vacuum cleaner
umývať / umyť = to wash / clean
umývanie = washing / cleaning
umývať okno = to clean the window
umývať podlahu = to clean the floor
umývať riad = to wash dishes
utierať prach = to dust
utierka = cloth
prachovka = duster
vyniesť smeti = to take out the trash
Note 1: Slovak is rich in word formation, meaning many related words are derived from a common root. For example, from the verb “upratovať” (to clean/tidy up), we get the noun “upratovanie” (cleaning), which ends in the diphthong -ie, and therefore is neutral. Similarly, tools are often derived from verbs: “vysávať” (to vacuum) → “vysávač” (vacuum cleaner), or “utierať” (to wipe) → “utierka” (cloth). Slovak also forms new words from nouns, such as “prach” (dust) → “prachovka” (duster).
Note 2: Slovak verbs often come in pairs: “nedokonavé”(imperfective) and “dokonavé” (perfective). “Umývať” (imperfective) ends in -ať and describes an ongoing, repeated, or general action — I am washing / I wash regularly. “Umyť” (perfective) refers to a completed action — to wash something completely / to finish washing.
