The English word "to" is one of the most versatile prepositions in the language, and in Czech, it corresponds to several different words depending on the context. The three main Czech equivalents are: -
do (into, to) - indicates movement into or direction towards an enclosed space -
k/ke (to, towards) - indicates movement towards a person, object, or abstract concept -
na (to, onto) - indicates movement onto a surface or to an event
Additionally, where English uses "to" before infinitives (e.g., "to speak"), Czech uses no preposition at all, as the infinitive form itself (e.g., "mluvit") already contains this meaning.
Question: What does "to" mean in Czech? Answer: The English word "to" translates to several Czech prepositions: "do" (into/to enclosed spaces), "k/ke" (towards people/objects), and "na" (onto surfaces/to events). When "to" introduces an infinitive verb in English, no Czech word is needed.
Course: Czech for English Speakers Level: Beginner Lesson Number: 6 Topic: The preposition "to" and its Czech equivalents Learning Objectives: Students will learn to correctly use do, k/ke, and na in various contexts Material Type: Self-study reading lesson with interlinear glossing
In this lesson, we will explore all three main Czech equivalents of "to" through varied example sentences. You'll see how context determines which Czech preposition to use, and you'll learn the grammatical cases that follow each preposition. The examples progress from simple directional uses to more complex idiomatic expressions.
-
Czech uses different words for "to" depending on the type of destination -
"Do" is used with the genitive case for movement into enclosed spaces -
"K/ke" is used with the dative case for movement towards -
"Na" is used with the accusative case for movement onto -
Czech infinitives don't require a preposition equivalent to English "to"
6.1 Jdu I-go do to školy school každý every den day
6.2 Chci I-want jít to-go k to lékaři doctor zítra tomorrow
6.3 Položil he-put knihu book na to stůl table
6.4 Autobus bus jede goes do to Prahy Prague
6.5 Přišla she-came ke to mně me večer evening
6.6 Musím I-must napsat to-write dopis letter rodičům parents
6.7 Vlak train přijíždí arrives na to nádraží station včas on-time
6.8 Dej give to it k to ostatním others věcem things
6.9 Pojedeme we-will-go do to Brna Brno autem by-car
6.10 Ráda gladly chodí she-goes na to koncerty concerts
6.11 Běž go rychle quickly k to babičce grandmother
6.12 Vstoupili they-entered do to místnosti room tiše quietly
6.13 Učí she-teaches se herself mluvit to-speak česky Czech
6.14 Přesunuli they-moved nábytek furniture na to zahradu garden
6.15 Vrátím I-will-return se myself k to tobě you brzy soon
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6.1 Jdu do školy každý den. I go to school every day.
6.2 Chci jít k lékaři zítra. I want to go to the doctor tomorrow.
6.3 Položil knihu na stůl. He put the book on the table.
6.4 Autobus jede do Prahy. The bus goes to Prague.
6.5 Přišla ke mně večer. She came to me in the evening.
6.6 Musím napsat dopis rodičům. I must write a letter to my parents.
6.7 Vlak přijíždí na nádraží včas. The train arrives at the station on time.
6.8 Dej to k ostatním věcem. Put it with the other things.
6.9 Pojedeme do Brna autem. We will go to Brno by car.
6.10 Ráda chodí na koncerty. She likes to go to concerts.
6.11 Běž rychle k babičce. Go quickly to grandmother.
6.12 Vstoupili do místnosti tiše. They entered the room quietly.
6.13 Učí se mluvit česky. She is learning to speak Czech.
6.14 Přesunuli nábytek na zahradu. They moved the furniture to the garden.
6.15 Vrátím se k tobě brzy. I will return to you soon.
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6.1 Jdu do školy každý den.
6.2 Chci jít k lékaři zítra.
6.3 Položil knihu na stůl.
6.4 Autobus jede do Prahy.
6.5 Přišla ke mně večer.
6.6 Musím napsat dopis rodičům.
6.7 Vlak přijíždí na nádraží včas.
6.8 Dej to k ostatním věcem.
6.9 Pojedeme do Brna autem.
6.10 Ráda chodí na koncerty.
6.11 Běž rychle k babičce.
6.12 Vstoupili do místnosti tiše.
6.13 Učí se mluvit česky.
6.14 Přesunuli nábytek na zahradu.
6.15 Vrátím se k tobě brzy.
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The English preposition "to" requires careful attention when translating to Czech, as it maps to different Czech prepositions depending on the context:
Used for movement into enclosed spaces or destinations viewed as containers: -
do školy (to school) -
do Prahy (to Prague) -
do místnosti (to/into the room)
The genitive case endings after "do": -
Masculine: -a/-u (do domu = to the house) -
Feminine: -y (do školy = to school) -
Neuter: -a (do města = to the city)
Used for movement towards people, objects, or abstract concepts: -
k lékaři (to the doctor) -
k babičce (to grandmother) -
ke mně (to me)
Note: "ke" is used before words starting with certain consonant clusters for easier pronunciation.
The dative case endings after "k/ke": -
Masculine: -ovi/-i (k doktorovi = to the doctor) -
Feminine: -e/-i (k babičce = to grandmother) -
Neuter: -u (k oknu = to the window)
Used for movement onto surfaces or to events: -
na stůl (onto the table) -
na koncert (to a concert) -
na nádraží (to the station)
The accusative case endings after "na": -
Masculine animate: -a (na doktora = to the doctor) -
Masculine inanimate: no change (na stůl = to the table) -
Feminine: -u (na zahradu = to the garden) -
Neuter: no change (na nádraží = to the station)
When "to" introduces an infinitive in English, Czech uses no preposition: -
want to go = chci jít -
learning to speak = učí se mluvit -
I have to write = musím napsat
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Using the wrong preposition: English speakers often confuse do/k/na -
Incorrect: Jdu na školu (unless you mean "onto the school building") -
Correct: Jdu do školy (I go to school) -
Using the wrong case after prepositions: -
Incorrect: Jdu do škola -
Correct: Jdu do školy (genitive case required) -
Adding a preposition before infinitives: -
Incorrect: Chci k jít -
Correct: Chci jít (no preposition needed) -
Forgetting case agreement with prepositions: -
Each preposition requires a specific case -
This affects not just the noun but also any adjectives
-
Is "to" followed by a verb in English? → Use no preposition in Czech -
Is the destination an enclosed space? → Use DO + genitive -
Is the destination a person or something you approach? → Use K/KE + dative -
Is the destination a surface or an event? → Use NA + accusative
Czech Prepositions for "to": -
do + genitive: into, to (enclosed spaces) -
k/ke + dative: to, towards (approach) -
na + accusative: onto, to (surfaces/events) -
No preposition before infinitives
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Understanding the Czech approach to directional prepositions reveals important cultural concepts about space and movement. Czech speakers conceptualize destinations differently than English speakers, distinguishing between enclosed spaces (do), surfaces and events (na), and approach or proximity (k).
The distinction between do and na reflects how Czech culture views different locations. Schools, cities, and buildings are seen as enclosed spaces you enter (do školy), while stations, concerts, and meetings are viewed as surfaces or events you attend (na nádraží, na koncert). This spatial thinking extends to metaphorical uses as well.
The preposition k/ke often implies not just physical movement but also emotional or social approach. Going "k babičce" (to grandmother) carries a warmth and personal connection that reflects the close family bonds valued in Czech culture. Similarly, "přijít k někomu" (to come to someone) implies seeking their company or assistance.
In Czech Republic, giving directions requires mastery of these prepositions. Locals will immediately notice if you use the wrong preposition, as it can completely change the meaning. For instance, "jít na poštu" means going to the post office (as a destination), while "jít do pošty" means going into the post office building.
The absence of a preposition before infinitives in Czech (compared to English "to") reflects the more synthetic nature of Czech grammar, where meaning is often contained within word endings rather than separate function words. This is part of what makes Czech challenging for English speakers but also gives it its characteristic precision.
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From "Babička" (The Grandmother) by Božena Němcová (1855):
"Babička šla ke studánce pro vodu. Cestou potkala dítě, které plakalo. 'Pojď ke mně,' řekla laskavě, 'půjdeme spolu domů k mamince.' Vzala dítě za ruku a vedla je po pěšince do vesnice."
Babička (grandmother) šla (went) ke (to) studánce (well) pro (for) vodu (water). Cestou (on-the-way) potkala (she-met) dítě (child), které (which) plakalo (was-crying). 'Pojď (come) ke (to) mně,' (me) řekla (she-said) laskavě (kindly), 'půjdeme (we-will-go) spolu (together) domů (home) k (to) mamince.' (mommy) Vzala (she-took) dítě (child) za (by) ruku (hand) a (and) vedla (led) je (it) po (along) pěšince (path) do (to) vesnice (village).
Babička šla ke studánce pro vodu. Cestou potkala dítě, které plakalo. 'Pojď ke mně,' řekla laskavě, 'půjdeme spolu domů k mamince.' Vzala dítě za ruku a vedla je po pěšince do vesnice.
Grandmother went to the well for water. On the way she met a child who was crying. 'Come to me,' she said kindly, 'we'll go home together to mommy.' She took the child by the hand and led it along the path to the village.
Babička šla ke studánce pro vodu. Cestou potkala dítě, které plakalo. 'Pojď ke mně,' řekla laskavě, 'půjdeme spolu domů k mamince.' Vzala dítě za ruku a vedla je po pěšince do vesnice.
This passage beautifully illustrates the three main uses of "to" in Czech: -
ke studánce - "to the well" uses k + dative, showing movement towards a specific destination -
ke mně - "to me" uses k + dative with the personal pronoun in dative case (mně) -
k mamince - "to mommy" uses k + dative, showing movement towards a person -
do vesnice - "to the village" uses do + genitive, showing movement into an enclosed space
Note how Němcová uses different prepositions to create a sense of movement and direction throughout the scene. The choice between "ke studánce" (approaching the well) and "do vesnice" (entering the village) reflects the different ways Czech conceptualizes these destinations. The repeated use of "k" with people (ke mně, k mamince) emphasizes the human connections in the story, a central theme in this beloved Czech novel about family and rural life.
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6.16 Ráno morning jsme we odjeli departed do to Karlových Karlovy Varů Vary vlakem by-train
6.17 Cesta journey vedla led přes through hory mountains k to lázeňskému spa městu town
6.18 První first zastávka stop byla was na at malé small stanici station v in Berouně Beroun
6.19 Průvodčí conductor nás us poslal sent do to jiného different vagónu car
6.20 Z from okna window jsme we se ourselves dívali looked na at krajinu landscape
6.21 Museli had-to jsme we přestoupit to-transfer v in Chebu Cheb na to rychlík express
6.22 Taxík taxi nás us dovezl brought k to hotelu hotel Thermal Thermal
6.23 Recepční receptionist nás us zavedla led do to našeho our pokoje room
6.24 Večer evening jsme we šli went na to procházku walk k to pramenům springs
6.25 Chtěli wanted jsme we se ourselves dostat to-get na to vyhlídku lookout Diana Diana
6.26 Lanovka funicular nás us vyvezla carried-up na to vrchol summit kopce hill
6.27 Druhý second den day jsme we jeli went do to Lokte Loket autobusem by-bus
6.28 Průvodkyně guide nás us zavedla led k to hradu castle po along staré old cestě road
6.29 Vrátili returned jsme we se ourselves do to lázní spa před before setměním dusk
6.30 Poslední last den day jsme we zamířili headed k to domovu home přes through Plzeň Pilsen
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6.16 Ráno jsme odjeli do Karlových Varů vlakem. In the morning we departed to Karlovy Vary by train.
6.17 Cesta vedla přes hory k lázeňskému městu. The journey led through the mountains to the spa town.
6.18 První zastávka byla na malé stanici v Berouně. The first stop was at a small station in Beroun.
6.19 Průvodčí nás poslal do jiného vagónu. The conductor sent us to a different car.
6.20 Z okna jsme se dívali na krajinu. From the window we looked at the landscape.
6.21 Museli jsme přestoupit v Chebu na rychlík. We had to transfer in Cheb to the express train.
6.22 Taxík nás dovezl k hotelu Thermal. The taxi brought us to Hotel Thermal.
6.23 Recepční nás zavedla do našeho pokoje. The receptionist led us to our room.
6.24 Večer jsme šli na procházku k pramenům. In the evening we went for a walk to the springs.
6.25 Chtěli jsme se dostat na vyhlídku Diana. We wanted to get to the Diana lookout.
6.26 Lanovka nás vyvezla na vrchol kopce. The funicular carried us up to the summit of the hill.
6.27 Druhý den jsme jeli do Lokte autobusem. The second day we went to Loket by bus.
6.28 Průvodkyně nás zavedla k hradu po staré cestě. The guide led us to the castle along the old road.
6.29 Vrátili jsme se do lázní před setměním. We returned to the spa before dusk.
6.30 Poslední den jsme zamířili k domovu přes Plzeň. The last day we headed towards home through Pilsen.
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6.16 Ráno jsme odjeli do Karlových Varů vlakem.
6.17 Cesta vedla přes hory k lázeňskému městu.
6.18 První zastávka byla na malé stanici v Berouně.
6.19 Průvodčí nás poslal do jiného vagónu.
6.20 Z okna jsme se dívali na krajinu.
6.21 Museli jsme přestoupit v Chebu na rychlík.
6.22 Taxík nás dovezl k hotelu Thermal.
6.23 Recepční nás zavedla do našeho pokoje.
6.24 Večer jsme šli na procházku k pramenům.
6.25 Chtěli jsme se dostat na vyhlídku Diana.
6.26 Lanovka nás vyvezla na vrchol kopce.
6.27 Druhý den jsme jeli do Lokte autobusem.
6.28 Průvodkyně nás zavedla k hradu po staré cestě.
6.29 Vrátili jsme se do lázní před setměním.
6.30 Poslední den jsme zamířili k domovu přes Plzeň.
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When discussing travel in Czech, the choice between do, na, and k becomes especially important:
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Always use do + genitive: do Prahy (to Prague), do Německa (to Germany) -
Exception: some countries use na: na Slovensko (to Slovakia), na Moravu (to Moravia)
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Stations use na + accusative: na nádraží (to the station), na letiště (to the airport) -
But entering the building uses do: do nádražní budovy (into the station building)
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Approaching uses k + dative: k hotelu (to the hotel) -
Entering uses do + genitive: do hotelu (into the hotel)
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Mountains/hills use na + accusative: na horu (to the mountain) -
Valleys/forests use do + genitive: do údolí (to the valley), do lesa (to the forest)
Movement verbs with destinations: -
jet do + genitive (to go/travel to) -
letět do + genitive (to fly to) -
plout do + genitive (to sail to) -
jít/chodit na + accusative (to go/walk to) -
dostat se do/na/k + appropriate case (to get to)
Terms frequently appearing with directional prepositions: -
do města (to the city/town) -
na výlet (on a trip) -
k památce (to the monument) -
do zahraničí (abroad) -
na dovolenou (on vacation)
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