Learning a new language can be a fascinating journey, full of new words and phrases that enrich your understanding of another culture. One of the practical aspects of language learning is acquiring vocabulary for everyday activities, such as cleaning and maintenance. In this article, we will explore essential Slovak vocabulary related to cleaning and maintenance tasks, helping you navigate these daily chores with ease. Whether you are living in Slovakia or just learning the language, these words will be immensely useful.
Basic Cleaning Vocabulary
Let’s start with some fundamental words and phrases that you will need for general cleaning tasks.
– **Clean** – čistý
– **Dirty** – špinavý
– **To clean** – čistiť
– **To wash** – umývať
– **To wipe** – utierať
– **To sweep** – zametať
– **To mop** – umývať mopom
– **To vacuum** – vysávať
– **To dust** – utierať prach
– **To polish** – leštiť
Cleaning Supplies
Knowing the names of various cleaning supplies can make your tasks much simpler. Here are some essential items:
– **Broom** – metla
– **Mop** – mop
– **Vacuum cleaner** – vysávač
– **Dustpan** – lopatka
– **Cleaning cloth** – čistiaca handra
– **Sponge** – špongia
– **Bucket** – vedro
– **Detergent** – čistiaci prostriedok
– **Disinfectant** – dezinfekčný prostriedok
– **Polish** – leštidlo
– **Window cleaner** – čistiaci prostriedok na okná
– **Trash bag** – vrece na odpadky
Room-Specific Cleaning
Different rooms require different cleaning techniques and supplies. Here’s a breakdown of vocabulary for various rooms in a house.
Kitchen
– **Sink** – drez
– **Dishwasher** – umývačka riadu
– **Dish soap** – umývací prostriedok na riad
– **Dishcloth** – handra na riad
– **Oven** – rúra
– **Stove** – sporák
– **Microwave** – mikrovlnná rúra
– **Refrigerator** – chladnička
– **To scrub** – drhnúť
– **To rinse** – oplachovať
Bathroom
– **Bathtub** – vaňa
– **Shower** – sprcha
– **Toilet** – toaleta
– **Sink** – umyvadlo
– **Mirror** – zrkadlo
– **Tile** – dlaždica
– **Toilet brush** – kefa na toaletu
– **Toilet cleaner** – čistiaci prostriedok na toaletu
– **To scrub** – drhnúť
– **To rinse** – oplachovať
Living Room and Bedroom
– **Carpet** – koberec
– **Rug** – koberček
– **Curtains** – záclony
– **Cushions** – vankúše
– **Furniture polish** – leštidlo na nábytok
– **To vacuum** – vysávať
– **To dust** – utierať prach
– **To organize** – usporiadať
– **To tidy up** – upratať
Maintenance Vocabulary
Beyond cleaning, maintaining your home or workspace also involves various tasks and tools. Here is some essential vocabulary for maintenance:
Tools and Equipment
– **Hammer** – kladivo
– **Screwdriver** – skrutkovač
– **Wrench** – kľúč
– **Pliers** – kliešte
– **Drill** – vŕtačka
– **Saw** – píla
– **Tape measure** – meter
– **Level** – vodováha
– **Ladder** – rebrík
Common Maintenance Tasks
– **To repair** – opravovať
– **To fix** – napraviť
– **To tighten** – utiahnuť
– **To loosen** – uvoľniť
– **To replace** – vymeniť
– **To assemble** – zostaviť
– **To disassemble** – rozobrať
– **To paint** – maľovať
– **To varnish** – lakovať
– **To glue** – lepiť
– **To sand** – brúsiť
– **To drill** – vŕtať
Safety and Precautions
When dealing with cleaning and maintenance, safety is paramount. Here are some useful words and phrases related to safety:
– **Safety gear** – ochranné pomôcky
– **Gloves** – rukavice
– **Mask** – maska
– **Goggles** – ochranné okuliare
– **To ventilate** – vetrať
– **Caution** – opatrnosť
– **Warning** – varovanie
– **Hazardous** – nebezpečný
– **Toxic** – toxický
– **Flammable** – horľavý
– **To protect** – chrániť
– **Emergency** – núdzový prípad
Practical Phrases
Knowing isolated words is helpful, but understanding how to use them in context is even more important. Here are some practical phrases:
– “Could you please clean the kitchen?” – Môžete prosím vyčistiť kuchyňu?
– “We need to vacuum the living room.” – Musíme povysávať obývačku.
– “Where is the cleaning cloth?” – Kde je čistiaca handra?
– “The bathroom needs to be scrubbed.” – Kúpeľňu treba vydrhnúť.
– “Can you help me fix this?” – Môžeš mi pomôcť to opraviť?
– “We should replace the old light bulb.” – Mali by sme vymeniť starú žiarovku.
– “This tool is used for tightening screws.” – Tento nástroj sa používa na uťahovanie skrutiek.
– “Be careful, the floor is wet.” – Dávaj pozor, podlaha je mokrá.
Conclusion
Learning Slovak vocabulary for cleaning and maintenance can make your daily chores more manageable and help you integrate better into Slovak-speaking environments. By familiarizing yourself with these essential words and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to handle a variety of tasks, from basic cleaning to more complex maintenance work.
Remember, language learning is a gradual process, and the more you practice, the more confident you’ll become. So, don’t hesitate to use these words in your daily routine, and soon enough, they will become second nature. Happy learning and happy cleaning!