znát — meaning in English: know

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for know

přiznat

důvěra

potřebovat

znát

paradox

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Czech for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use 'znát' when discussing familiarity with people, places, or subjects. For example, you might hear it in a conversation about meeting someone new: 'Znám ho,' meaning 'I know him.' It’s also commonly used in educational settings when students express knowledge of a topic: 'Znám to téma,' translating to 'I know that subject.'

Synonyms & nuances

'Znát' is often used interchangeably with 'vědět,' which means 'to know' in a more factual sense. While 'znát' emphasizes personal familiarity, 'vědět' leans towards knowing information or facts. For instance, you might say 'Vím, jak to funguje' (I know how it works) instead of 'Znám, jak to funguje.'

Culture

'Znát' comes from the Proto-Slavic root '*znati,' which reflects a deep cultural emphasis on knowledge and personal connections in Czech society. The importance of knowing someone or something is often linked to trust and relationship-building, making this word more than just a simple verb—it reflects social ties and community.

FAQ

Q.What is the difference between 'znát' and 'vědět' in Czech?

'Znát' refers to being familiar with someone or something, while 'vědět' focuses on having knowledge of facts or information. Use 'znát' for personal connections and 'vědět' for objective knowledge.

Q.How do you use 'znát' in a sentence?

You can use 'znát' in sentences like 'Znám toho člověka' (I know that person) to express familiarity or 'Znám tu knihu' (I know that book) to indicate you are acquainted with it.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'znát'?

A common mistake is using 'znát' when 'vědět' is more appropriate, especially in contexts where factual knowledge is involved. Remember to use 'znát' for people and specific experiences.

Learn czech with Maspeak →

Czech Vocabulary