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2.1.1. Tense, mood, aspect, person (for verbs)
2.1.2. Gender and number (nouns and adjectives)
2.1.3. Case (nouns and prepositions)
4.1. How to use punctuation marks
4.2. Punctuation in greetings and closings
5.1. Formal Grammatical and Lexical Registers
1. Post-edition at Unbabel
At Unbabel we have a unique approach to translation: each text submitted by a customer is translated by our Machine Translation system, and then corrected by our community of editors in an online platform. By editing the output of the software, the editors ensure the quality of the translations and confirm that the message is accurate (i.e., has the same meaning as the original), fluent (i.e., can be easily understood and sounds natural) and is in line with the style requested by the clients (i.e. respects their register and terminology). In order to help editors do the best job possible, we provide various types of information:
- Customer instructions, which include the identification of the client and his requests to personalize the translation, such as the register that must be used to address the recipient of the message. Following these instructions is vital to deliver translations that match the client’s expectations.
- Glossaries, which correspond to specific vocabulary and expressions used by the client, and that must be respected by the editors.
- Translation Memories, which correspond to stored segments (expressions, sentences or paragraphs) that have previously been translated and accepted for customer usage. They are useful for ensuring consistency across translations.
We also have Smartcheck, which is an application that checks the grammar, morphology, orthography and style of the translations while being edited. By using a large set of rules, Smartcheck flags words or groups of words that may present some kind of issue.
Finally, in order to deliver the best possible translation, we also provide these guidelines about your language specifications. Please, read them carefully and always follow these instructions in your editions.
2. Grammar
2.1. Agreement
2.1.1. Tense, mood, aspect, person (for verbs)
Verbs must agree with their subjects in person, gender and number. Please pay special attention to coordinated and subordinated constructions when there is no overt subject in the clause, ensuring that the verb agrees with the subject from the main clause.
Example
Source text: I found all the error messages and sent them to the development team.
✘ Našiel som všetky chybové hlásenia a poslala som ich vývojovému tímu.
✓ Našiel som všetky chybové hlásenia a poslal som ich vývojovému tímu.
A typical Slovak verb has the subject in the nominative form and the complement in the accusative form. When the passive voice is created, the object becomes the subject (i.e., the focus is on the action rather than the “doer”).
Example
Source text: The user cancelled the subscription.
✓ Používateľ zrušil predplatné. (active voice)
Source text: The subscription was cancelled by the user.
✓ Predplatné bolo zrušené používateľom. (passive voice)
2.1.2. Gender and number (nouns and adjectives)
When adjectives modify nouns, they should agree in gender, number, and case. Sometimes (especially for proper names and glossary terms), the MT can make agreement errors, so please pay attention to this and make corrections where necessary.
Examples
Source text: This process generally takes 3 – 5 business days.
✘ Tento proces zvyčajne trvá 3 – 5 pracovné dni.
✓ Tento proces zvyčajne trvá 3 – 5 pracovných dní.
Source text: Dear Mr Horváth,
✘ Vážená pán Horváth,
✘ Vážení pán Horváth,
✓ Vážený pán Horváth,
Source text: Tap the icon in the bottom left corner.
✘ Ťuknite na ikonu v ľavý dolný roh.
✓ Ťuknite na ikonu v ľavom dolnom rohu.
Some nouns (so-called pluralia tantum – pomnožné podstatné mená) in Slovak do not have singular forms, and are always combined with a verb and an adjective in the plural form – this is even the case when a noun refers to a single object. Examples include expressions such as ústa, okulare, husle a dostihy - which are nouns that do not combine with ordinary numerals, but with collective numerals instead (skupinové číslovky).
Example
Source text: I bought two doors at the DIY store.
✘ V obchode pre domácich majstrov som kúpil dve dvere.
✘ V obchode pre domácich majstrov som kúpil dvojo dverí.
✓ V obchode pre domácich majstrov som kúpil dvoje dverí.
2.1.3. Case (nouns and prepositions)
The case is a grammatical category of a noun. There are six cases in Slovak – nominative, genitive, dative, accusative, locative, instrumental (vocative is no longer used and is identical to the nominative case in contemporary Slovak). Only a few forms of the vocative are preserved and used: pane, človeče, bože, majstre, šéfe, chlapče, otče, synu, bratku, priateľu, mami.
Prepositions are always used in connection with the cases of nouns, adjectives, pronouns, or numerals. The connection with the case is called the prepositional case or the prepositional phrase.
Example
Source text: Ensure your browser is updated to its latest version.
✘ Skontrolujte, či je váš prehliadač aktualizovaný pre najnovšiu verziu.
✓ Skontrolujte, či je váš prehliadač aktualizovaný na najnovšiu verziu.
The cumulation of prepositions, requiring different cases is not considered correct in Slovak, because one of the prepositions would be connected with an unsuitable case.
Example
Source text: She was looking for the pen on and under the desk.
✘ Hľadala pero na a pod stolom.
✓ Hľadala pero na stole a pod stolom.
2.2. Prepositions
The prepositions s, z, v, k also have the vocalized forms (i.e., with an added voweI) so, zo, vo, ku which are used only when the following word begins with the same, or a similar consonant, or when the non-vocalized preposition would be difficult to pronounce, e.g., so sestrou, vo vlaku, zo zeme, ku komu, vo vode.
Example
Source text: We met on the train
✘ Stretli sme sa v vlaku.
✓ Stretli sme sa vo vlaku.
2.3. Verbs
Verbs are inflectional parts of speech which express the action or state of a subject in the broadest sense of the word and have lexical grammatical categories, such as the grammatical categories of time, mood, voice, and concord.
Active and passive voice
There are two voices: active and passive. The passive voice is usually used in formal texts. Please use the active voice in Slovak when possible.
When the use of a reflexive pronoun does not impair the correctness and/or intelligibility of the text, it is correct to translate the passive constructions by means of reflexive verbs, or by using the active where the agent is known:
Examples
Source text: The last restart/shutdown request of computer was aborted by user.
✘ Posledná požiadavka na reštartovanie/vypnutie počítača bola prerušená používateľom.
✓ Poslednú požiadavku na reštartovanie alebo vypnutie počítača prerušil používateľ.
Source text: Internet address could not be authenticated.
✘ Internetová adresa nemohla byť overená.
✓ Internetovú adresu nebolo možné overiť.
2.4. Personal pronouns
English requires the subject in the sentence to be stated, explicitly. However, in Slovak the subject is made clear by the verb ending. Please try to avoid excessive repetition of pronouns (even if this is the case in the source structure), and instead decide on the appropriate use of pronouns, especially first-person pronouns, on a case by case basis.
Examples
Source text: I agree that you’re right.
✘ Ja súhlasím, že ty máš pravdu.
✓ Súhlasím, že más pravdu.
Source text: She closed her eyes.
✘ Ona zatvorila svoje oči.
✘ Zatvorila svoje oči.
✓ Zatvorila oči.
2.5. Possessives
Unlike in English, the use of the possessive pronoun in Slovak is not very common – this is mainly because it is considered redundant and unnatural. For this reason, it is not always necessary to translate them into Slovak if the meaning is already obvious from the context.
Reflexive possessive pronouns are used when the pronoun possesses the object of the subject of the sentence. If the pronoun refers to another object in the sentence, you should use a different possessive pronoun. Please make sure to correctly use the following reflexive possessive pronouns; svoj, svoja, svoje.
a) In case the possessive pronoun is related to the subject of the sentence, use svoj.
Examples
Source text: Please enter your password.
✘ Zadajte vaše heslo.
✓ Zadajte svoje heslo.
Source text: Upload your data to the cloud.
✘ Nahrajte vaše údaje do cloudu.
✓ Nahrajte svoje údaje do cloudu.
Note: You are the subject of the sentence and data are related/belong to you.
b) In case the subject of the sentence is different, use váš.
Example
Source text: We have detected a virus on your computer.
✘ Vo svojom počítači sme objavili vírus.
✓ Vo vašom počítači sme objavili vírus.
3. Orthography
3.1. Abbreviations
Abbreviations are based on the initial letters of a term: AIDS, NASA, USA, UK. With these terms, written in full capitals without any spaces, no full stops are used.
When using an abbreviation in a text for the first time, please make sure to present the spelled-out version and the short form (in parentheses). Exceptions to this rule are commonly used abbreviations.
Example
Source text: The U.S.A. and the U.K., the U.N. adopted a new strategy.
✘ U.S.A., U.K. a O.S.N. prijali novou strategii.
✓ USA, UK a OSN prijali novú stratégiu.
Other abbreviated words are followed by a full stop with a whitespace. However, this said, if they are at the end of a sentence, please do not use a double full stop.
Example
Source text: Use an input device, e.g., a keyboard.
✘ Použite vstupné zariadenie, napr klávesnicu.
✓ Použite vstupné zariadenie, napr. klávesnicu.
Please also avoid creating abbreviations which may be confusing or ambiguous. In some cases there might be an English abbreviation used that should be translated using the full localized word, e.g., cc which should be localized as kópia.
Some abbreviations should be expanded if there is no standard abbreviation in Slovak.
Example
Source text: 2 oz.
✘ 2 oz.
✓ 2 unce
Please pay particular attention to the Slovak word; pozri (obsolete form viď). It is an imperative form of the verb pozrieť and serves as a referring word (see = look at). Therefore, it is not an abbreviation and should never be followed by a full stop.
Example
Source text: see page 3.
✘ viď. stranu 3
✘ pozri. stranu 3
✓ pozri stranu 3
3.2. Capitalization
Capitalization in Slovak should apply to proper names only (i.e., names of people, organizations, geographical entities, etc.). Common names normally should not be capitalized. Note that in English, certain common names (such as weekdays, months, nationalities, languages, cardinal points, etc.) are written with a capital letter, however in Slovak, these words should not be capitalized. The complete rules of capitalization are covered in The Rules of Slovak Orthography.
Example
Source text: Our support line is open Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm.
✘ Naša linka podpory je v prevádzke od Pondelka do Piatku od 8.00 do 17.00 hod.
✓ Naša linka podpory je v prevádzke od pondelka do piatka od 8.00 do 17.00 hod.
It is common in English to capitalize all major words in a title. This should not be reflected in the Slovak translation.
Examples
Source text: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
✘ Všeobecné Nariadene o Ochrane Údajov (GDPR)
✓ Všeobecné nariadene o ochrane údajov (GDPR)
Source text: If your issue is persistent then please kindly contact our Customer Support.
✘ Ak problém pretrváva, kontaktujte naše oddelenie Zákazníckej podpory.
✓ Ak problém pretrváva, kontaktujte naše oddelenie zákazníckej podpory.
3.3. Compounds
Slovak compounds are usually written together or with a hyphen.
3.3.1. Written together
Compound nouns are formed by combining two components or word bases into one compound noun. The two elements are most frequently joined with the help of the vowel o, e.g., tlakomer, teplomer, liehovar.
There are also compounds whose first element has a meaning close to a prefix, e.g., polo-, pol- : pologuľa, polotma, poldeň, polmesiac, polnoc; spolu- : spoluhláska, spolupráca.
Compound adjectives are written together as one word (without a hyphen) when they are formed from a word phrase, i.e., when the individual components are in a subordinating relationship (one component specifies the other), e.g., : sociálnodemokratický (from the phrase sociálna demokracia), malokarpatský (from the two-word name Malé Karpaty), pracovnoprávny (from the phrase pracovné právo), zelenožltý, where the adjective green-yellow denotes one shade of color.
Examples
Source text: scientific research purposes
✘ vedecko výskumné účely
✘ vedecko-výskumné účely
✘ vedecké a výskumné účely
✓ vedeckovýskumné účely
3.3.2. Written with a hyphen
Compound adjectives are written with a hyphen when expressing clearly separated components that are in an associative relationship (meaning that they are equivalent), e.g., žlto-zelený (žltý a zelený), describing something that has two colors, e.g., a green-yellow flag, slovensko-český (slovenský a český), výchovno-vzdelávací (výchovný a vzdelávací. Please be careful to always use the hyphen symbol (-) and not an en dash (–).
Example
Source text: black and white chessboard
✘ čierna a biela šachovnica
✘ čiernobiela šachovnica
✓ čierno-biela šachovnica
3.4. Diacritics
A diacritic is a sign (mark) placed above or below a character or letter to indicate that it has a different phonetic value, e.g., is stressed. Text without diacritics is only acceptable in personal and quick communication. It is imperative to keep diacritics in all letters of the Slovak alphabet. When in doubt, please consult the Slovník súčasného slovenského jazyka.
If you encounter a foreign name with a symbol that is not usually used in Slovak and could cause confusion, please feel free to replace it with the closest Slovak letter.
Example
Source text: Luka Modrić is a Croatian professional footballer.
✓ Luka Modrić je chorvátsky profesionálny futbalista.
✓ Luka Modrič je chorvátsky profesionálny futbalista.
3.5. Foreign words
Whenever available, always follow the customer guidelines and the glossary regarding foreign words. Words from languages that do not use Latin script should be transcribed with Slovak transcription. This is especially important for Russian and other Slavic languages as well as for Arabic, Chinese and Japanese words. Other languages offer a bigger variability, but should also be transcribed using Slovak transcription, if and where possible.
Examples
Source text: Володи́мир Олекса́ндрович Зеле́нський
✘ Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy
✓ Volodymyr Oleksandrovyč Zelenskyj
Source text: The Chinese President, Xi Jinping
✘ Čínský prezident, Xi Jinping
✓ Čínský prezident, Si Ťin-pching
3.6. Numerals
With regard to the formatting of numerals (written in numbers or words), you must always respect the source text: if they are written as digits in the source text, this should be maintained in the translation; on the other hand, if they are written as words, they should be translated in the target language.
In the English-speaking world, it is common to use commas every three decimal places in numbers of four or more digits. In Slovak, only whitespaces are used to indicate groups of thousands. When referring to amounts in particular currencies, the numeral always precedes the abbreviation of the currency.
Examples
Source text: It weighs about 5,500 kilograms.
✘ Váži približne 5,500 kilogramov.
✓ Váži približne 5 500 kilogramov.
Source text: The total sum: 1,750,609,50 EUR.
✘ Celková suma: 1,750,609,50 EUR
✓ Celková suma: 1 750 609,50 EUR
Please pay particular attention to the Slovak translation of the English numeral; billions. It should not be translated as bilióny.
Example
Source text: The government has invested billions of dollars in the project.
✘ Vláda do tohto projektu investovala bilióny dolárov.
✓ Vláda do tohto projektu investovala miliardy dolárov.
In Slovak, a comma (,) is used to separate decimal numbers, so even though it is common to use a dot (due to the influence of English), please avoid it in order to prevent any possible confusion or inconsistency.
Example
Source text: The value of π is 3.14.
✘ Hodnota π je 3.14.
✓ Hodnota π je 3,14.
3.7. Symbols
Symbols (%, °C, +, –, ...) are preceded by a non-breaking space except when it is used as an adjective.
Examples
Source text: Get a 10% discount on your next purchase.
✘ Získajte 10% zľavu na ďalší nákup.
✓ Získajte 10 % zľavu na ďalší nákup.
Source text: Member States retain 25% of the yield of TOR.
✘ Členské štáty si ponechávajú 25% z vybranej sumy TVZ.
✓ Členské štáty si ponechávajú 25 % z vybranej sumy TVZ.
Source text: Temperatures can drop to -40°C.
✘ Teploty môžu klesnúť až na -40°C.
✓ Teploty môžu klesnúť až na -40 °C.
Source text: 1+2=3
✘ 1+2=3
✓ 1 + 2 = 3
4. Punctuation
Punctuation is the system of symbols that we use to separate written sentences and parts of sentences, and to make their meaning clear. Each symbol is called a punctuation mark.
4.1. How to use punctuation marks
Do not automatically copy the punctuation of the source text. Please follow the Rules of Slovak Orthography.
The following punctuation marks are used in Slovak: period (.), exclamation mark (!), question mark (?), comma (,), colon (:), semicolon (;), quotation marks („“), en dash (–), hyphen (-), three dots (…), parentheses (), apostrophe (’), slash (/).
Comma (,)
In the Slovak language, commas have the following functions: to separate sentence elements (e.g., nouns, modifiers, or phrases), to separate subordinate clauses, offsetting appositive, etc. In these cases, a space follows the comma. Moreover, in Slovak, commas separate decimal values and are not followed by a space.
In compound sentences in English texts, commas are used less frequently; therefore, the lack of a comma in a specific place of the source text does not mean that it should not be used in the translation (and vice versa).
Example
Source text: Sorry to know that you have received strap instead of watch.
✘ Mrzí nás že ste namiesto hodiniek, dostali remienok.
✓ Mrzí nás, že ste namiesto hodiniek dostali remienok.
Example
Source text: Unfortunately, this time we have faced an issue that has slowed things down.
✘ Bohužiaľ, tentokrát sme narazili na problém ktorý celý proces spomalil.
✘ Bohužiaľ tentokrát sme narazili na problém, ktorý celý proces spomalil.
✓ Bohužiaľ, tentokrát sme narazili na problém, ktorý celý proces spomalil.
Colon (:)
Colons introduce sentences/clauses or their parts with the aim of developing previous text (e.g., examples, enumerations). A colon should be written immediately after the corresponding word without a whitespace.
Example
Source text: To complete the order, we need a completed order form, a copy of the ID card and confirmation of payment.
✘ Na dokončenie objednávky potrebujeme : vyplnený objednávkový formulár, kópiu občianskeho preukazu a potvrdenie o platbe.
✓ Na dokončenie objednávky potrebujeme: vyplnený objednávkový formulár, kópiu občianskeho preukazu a potvrdenie o platbe.
Colons can often introduce direct speech and, in this case, should be followed by a whitespace.
Example
Source text: Martina said, “I didn't see that coming.”
✘ Martina povedala, "To som nečakala."
✘ Martina povedala : „To som nečakala.“
✓ Martina povedala: „To som nečakala.“
When expressing a scale, ratio or sports score, colons are always separated by a whitespace from both sides.
Examples
Source text: Map scale 1 : 25 000
✘ Mapa v mierke 1 : 25000
✓ Mapa v mierke 1 : 25 000
Source text: Argentina won 4-2 in penalty kicks.
✘ Argentína vyhrala 4:2 na pokutové kopy.
✓ Argentína vyhrala 4 : 2 na pokutové kopy.
Semicolon (;)
Semicolons are not frequently used in modern Slovak texts, however, in academic texts, they are still common. It is always possible to reformulate sentences with the use of a comma (,) or a full stop (.)
A semicolon can be used in the following cases:
— before a part of a simple sentence or clause explaining the preceding part;
— in a simple sentence to separate an explanatory preposition;
— in sentences to separate larger parts for clarity;
— in enumerations given as separate paragraphs.
Example
Source text: The Internet is a general source of information; it contains freely available information.
✘ Internet je všeobecným zdrojom informácií a obsahuje voľne dostupné informácie.
✓ Internet je všeobecným zdrojom informácií; obsahuje voľne dostupné informácie.
Period (dot, full stop) (.)
A period (.) is used at the end of sentences which imply a statement. There is no space between the last letter and the period. Use one space between the period and the first letter of the next sentence.
If a sentence ends with an abbreviation, the period after the abbreviation acts as a period after the sentence.
Example
Source text: Type a name, email address, etc.
✘ Zadajte meno, e-mailovú adresu atď..
✓ Zadajte meno, e-mailovú adresu atď.
If the bracketed text is part of a complete sentence, the period is written after the bracket. If the bracketed text forms a complete sentence, even if single or incomplete, the period is written before the bracket.
Example
Source text: Enter the reason you find the content inappropriate (optional).
✘ Uveďte dôvod, prečo považujete tento obsah za nevhodný (voliteľné.)
✘ Uveďte dôvod, prečo považujete tento obsah za nevhodný ( voliteľné ).
✓ Uveďte dôvod, prečo považujete tento obsah za nevhodný (voliteľné).
Exclamation mark (!)
Exclamatory sentences emphasize emotion. Use an exclamation mark to end an exclamatory phrase, to form an emphatic command phrase, or to convey a strong emotion or an appeal (often in marketing texts). Also, use an exclamation mark at the end of an exclamatory sentence.
Example
Source text: That movie was amazing!
✘ Ten film bol úžasný !
✓ Ten film bol úžasný!
It can also be used alongside a quotation mark to emphasize a question. When combined with a question mark, the exclamation mark is always written last.
Example
Source text: What is going on here?!
✘ Čo sa to tu deje!?
✘ Čo sa to tu deje ?!
✓ Čo sa to tu deje?!
If the sentence does not have a strong emotional charge and is pronounced with an announcement intonation, replace the exclamation mark with a period.
Example
Source text: You have three new messages!
✘ Máte tri nové správy!
✘ Máte tri nové správy !
✓ Máte tri nové správy.
Hyphen (-)
A hyphen is used to divide words between syllables, to link parts of a compound word, and to express a close relationship between two words. No whitespaces are placed between the hyphen and the words.
Example
Source text: Poprad-Tatry railway station
✘ Železničná stanica Poprad – Tatry
✘ Železničná stanica Poprad–Tatry
✓ Železničná stanica Poprad-Tatry
En dash (–)
The en-dash should be used to emphasize an isolated element or introduce an element that is not essential to the meaning conveyed by the sentence, to separate the range of numbers (example: years). Please remember to use a space before and after the dash.
En dash is mainly used when specifying ranges, such as time ranges or page numbers.
Example
Source text: Financial forecasts for 2023–2025
✘ Finančné prognózy na roky 2023 - 2025
✘ Finančné prognózy na roky 2023–2025
✓ Finančné prognózy na roky 2023 – 2025
Quotation marks („“)
Quotation marks are used to set off direct speech, texts in the figurative sense and short quotes, when introducing terms in definitions. Correct Slovak quotation marks are („“). English quotation marks (“…”) should always be replaced with their Slovak counterpart: („…“).
If the whole sentence is in quotation marks, a period, exclamation mark or question mark is placed at the end of the sentence before the ending quotation marks.
Example
Source text: We tried to persuade him, but he said “No way.”
✘ Snažili sme sa ho presvedčiť, ale povedal: "V žiadnom prípade."
✘ Snažili sme sa ho presvedčiť, ale povedal: „V žiadnom prípade“.
✓ Snažili sme sa ho presvedčiť, ale povedal: „V žiadnom prípade.“
If only a word or phrase is in quotation marks, end quotation marks are written before a comma, period, exclamation mark or question mark.
Example
Source text: The public collection "White Crayon" was very successful.
✘ Verejná zbierka “Biela pastelka” bola veľmi úspešná.
✘ Verejná zbierka „ Biela pastelka “ bola veľmi úspešná.
✓ Verejná zbierka „Biela pastelka“ bola veľmi úspešná.
Brackets ()
Brackets are punctuation marks used in pairs for a variety of reasons but most commonly to add a clarification. There are four types of brackets: round brackets ( ), square brackets [ ], curly brackets { }, and angle brackets < >.
In Slovak texts, round brackets (parentheses) are most often used. There is no space between the words inside the brackets and bracket marks.
Example
Source text: Tony Blair (the former British prime minister) resigned from office in 2007.
✘ Tony Blair ( bývalý britský premiér ) odstúpil z funkcie v roku 2007.
✘ Tony Blair (bývalý britský premiér odstúpil z funkcie v roku 2007.
✓ Tony Blair (bývalý britský premiér) odstúpil z funkcie v roku 2007.
4.2. Punctuation in greetings and closings
Slovak has standardized rules for greetings and closings. Whether formal or informal, the initial letters of the first word in a greeting is capitalized and followed by a comma.
Example
Source text: Dear Mr Kováč,
✘ Vážený pán Kováč !
✘ vážený pán Kováč,
✓ Vážený pán Kováč,
After a greeting, which ends with a comma, the sentence should start with a word in lower-case unless it is a word that should be capitalized because of any other reason (e.g., proper names).
Example
Source text: Hello Zuzana,
Thanks for downloading the app.
✘ Dobrý deň Zuzana,
ďakujeme, že ste si stiahli našu aplikáciu.
✘ Dobrý deň, Zuzana,
Ďakujeme, že ste si stiahli našu aplikáciu.
✓ Dobrý deň, Zuzana,
ďakujeme, že ste si stiahli našu aplikáciu.
The first word of a closure is capitalized as well, but a comma does not follow it.
Example
Source text: Best regards,
✘ s pozdravom,
✘ s pozdravom
✓ S pozdravom
5. Register
5.1. Formal Grammatical and Lexical Registers
Register refers to the level of formality used in a text. It shows how our clients address their customers, and it contributes to the voice of the brand itself. Register may vary depending on the company, the brand, the service they offer, the customers, and the target language.
The main distinction between grammatical and lexical register is the use of pronouns and verb person (for the languages to which this morphological feature is applied). The latter is related to lexical choices, since some words and expressions can also have a degree of formality or colloquialism.
Both these registers are also divided into formal and informal, as shown below.
5.2. Formal register
Formal language in Slovak is associated with particular choices of grammar and vocabulary. We use formal language in situations that are serious or that involve people we do not know well. It has been standardized in the following publications: Slovník slovenského jazyka, Slovník cudzích slov, Pravidlá slovenského pravopisu a Synonimický slovník slovenčiny.
Please refrain from using pronouns with a capital letter. They are both correct, but it is considered dated and is only acceptable in a very formal postal/letter communication. Always consider the nature of the text you are translating.
Example
Source text: We would like to offer you a discount.
✓ Radi by sme Vám ponúkli zľavu. (very formal postal/letter communication)
✓ Radi by sme vám ponúkli zľavu.
Use of the word “please” in Slovak. English often uses phrases such as “please”, “thank you” or “congratulations”, but they may not be used so often in other languages. This said, it is important to remember that the level of politeness depends on the product or location, for example, while user interfaces tend adopt a direct tone, emails often contain phrases such as “Thank you for…” or “Please click here” for example.
| Categories | Examples | Type of Register |
| Personal pronouns | Vy | Grammatical |
|
Verbs (the person used to conjugate the verb) |
chytáte rozumiete niesiete pracujete vidíte |
Grammatical |
| Possessive pronouns |
Váš Vaša |
Grammatical |
| Greetings |
Vážený Vážená Vážení |
Lexical |
| Closings |
S pozdravom S úctou |
Lexical |
5.3. Informal register
Informal language is more casual and spontaneous. It is used when communicating with friends or family, either in writing or in conversation. It is used when writing personal emails, text messages and in some business correspondence. The tone of informal language is more personal than formal language.
Refrain from using pronouns with a capital letter in informal communication. It is considered hypercorrect.
Source text: We would like to offer you a discount.
✓ Radi by sme Ti ponúkli zľavu.
✓ Radi by sme ti ponúkli zľavu.
| Category | Examples | Type of Register |
| Personal pronouns | ty | Grammatical |
| Verbs (the person used to conjugate the verb) |
chytáš |
Grammatical |
| Possessive pronouns |
tvoj tvoja |
Grammatical |
| Greetings | Ahoj | Lexical |
| Closings | Maj sa | Lexical |
6. Localization challenges
6.1. Proper nouns
Proper nouns refer to unique entities, such as persons, places, organizations, brands, events, etc. As foreign proper nouns are concerned, languages may adopt different rules regarding whether they should be translated or kept in the original language. When editing a text, you should follow your languages’ rules for all different types of proper nouns listed below. However, please note that if there is a glossary provided by the client that includes these types of units, you should always apply the glossary items.
6.1.1. Persons
When mentioning foreign names and surnames, they have to be declined accordingly and the suffix -ová must be added to female surnames in most cases. There are few famous names’ exceptions (Edith Piaf, Marilyn Monroe), thus every case should be considered individually.
Examples
Source text: We met Michelle Obama.
✘ Stretli sme sa s Michelle Obama.
✓ Stretli sme sa s Michelle Obamovou.
Source text: He knew Edith Piaf.
✘ He knew Edith Piafovú.
✓ Poznal Edith Piaf.
Words from languages that do not use Latin script should be transcribed with Slovak transcription. This is especially important for Russian, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese words. Please note that there might be some famous names that would look unnatural in Slovak transcription, so you should use the most common variant.
Example
Source text: Mata Hari goes down in history as a spy.
✘ Mata Hariová vošla do dejín ako špiónka.
✓ Mata Hari vošla do dejín ako špiónka.
6.1.2. Places
Places that come from languages with Latin scripts can be translated or left in the original form. The foreign geographical names that have a common Slovak form are used in this form (e.g., Varšava, Paríž, Londýn). Geographical names which do not have a common Slovak form are used in their original form (e.g., Hamburg, Linz, Nice).
Places that come from languages with non-Latin scripts should always use the Slovak transcription rules and not the English version.
Example
Source text: We also visited Shanghai.
✘ Navštívili sme aj Shanhgai.
✓ Navštívili sme aj Šhangaj.
In order to properly translate geographical names, find the appropriate equivalent of a foreign geographical name in the publications of The Geodesy, Cartography, and Cadastre Authority of the Slovak Republic.
6.1.3. Organizations
When translating proper names of organizations and institutions, we follow the rules of capitalization in Slovak and try to find their official translation. We usually translate descriptive compound names (e.g., Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
Example
Source text: The European Central Bank was established on 1 July 1998.
✘ ECB bola založená 1. júla 1998.
✓ Európska centrálna banka bola založená 1. júla 1998
When translating university names, please pay special attention to the origin of the university name. If it is named after a person (e.g., Harvard University) it should be declined as a person's name. If the university is named after a city (e.g., Cambridge University), the city name should be declined where possible. Finally, if the name of the city is an indeclinable noun, only the descriptive part of the compound name should be declined (e.g., University in Malmö).
Examples
Source text: She is studying at Harvard University.
✘ Študuje na Harvardskej univerzite.
✓ Študuje na Harvardovej univerzite.
Source text: He is studying at the University of Cambridge.
✘ Študuje na University of Cambridge.
✓ Študuje na Cambridgeskej univerzite.
Source text: They are studying at Malmö University.
✘ Študujú na Malmö University.
✓ Študujú na univerzite v Malmö.
Organizations’ names should not be translated, but should be declined if possible. If the declination paradigm is not obvious, you should use a generic word before it (such as a company).
Example
Source text: He is working for Volswagen Slovakia.
✘ Pracuje vo Volswagen Slovakia.
✓ Pracuje v spoločnsti Volswagen Slovakia.
6.1.4. Brands and products
Brands and product names should not be translated and should respect the original typography – they should also be declined if possible. The Slovak language is naturally an inflectional language and uses declination of foreign products, services, and company names. If the declination paradigm is not obvious, you should use a generic word before it (such as product, application, service, system, device, set, dealership, brand, etc.).
Examples
Source text: Little kids love playing with Legos.
✘ Malé deti sa rady hrajú s Legom.
✓ Malé deti sa rady hrajú s legom.
Source text: The boy was playing with a LEGO set..
✘ Chlapec sa hral so stavebnicou lego.
✓ Chlapec sa hral so stavebnicou LEGO.
6.1.5. Other entities
Names of other entities, such as works of art (e.g., paintings, films, plays), literary works and songs should be translated and rejected if there is an established translation. If there is no established translation, you should use the original title (with the Slovak translation in brackets).
Example
Source text: Some of Vincent van Gogh's most famous works are his Sunflowers series.
✘ Medzi najslávnejšie diela Vincenta van Gogha patria jeho obrazy z cyklu Sunflowers.
✓ Medzi najslávnejšie diela Vincenta van Gogha patria jeho obrazy z cyklu Slnečnice.
Example
Source text: A new series of Let's Dance is coming.
✘ Nová séria Smiem prosiť sa blíži.
✓ Nová séria Let's Dance sa blíži.
6.2. Acronyms and initials
An acronym is a word which is formed as an abbreviation from the initial components in a phrase and which can be pronounced as a word (such as NATO). They are usually in capital letters. Acronyms and initials should not be translated unless an established translation exists, such as OSN for the UN (Organizácia Spojených národov /The United Nations). Their translation is not systematic and should be researched on a case-by-case basis. When the acronym doesn’t exist in Slovak, you should keep the source abbreviation.
Example
Source text: Canada has participated fully in UN activities.
✘ Kanada sa plne zúčastňuje na aktivitách UN.
✓ Kanada sa plne zúčastňuje na aktivitách OSN.
Please be careful about the gender of acronyms. When identifying the grammatical gender of an acronym, it is based on the gender of the determiner word in the full unabbreviated name.
Example
Source text: The EU decided to increase energy efficiency within the EU by 20% by 2020.
✘ EÚ sa rozhodol zvýšiť energetickú účinnosť v rámci EÚ o 20 % do roku 2020.
✓ EÚ sa rozhodla zvýšiť energetickú účinnosť v rámci EÚ o 20 % do roku 2020.
6.3. Date format
Short date format in English is generally MM/DD/YYYY. When translating into Slovak, it should be changed to DD. MM. YYYY (DD for day, MM for month number, YYYY for year) with dots and whitespaces as separators. In case of a single-digit number for a day, it may be written with or without a leading zero. Long (word-numeral) date format D. MMMM YYYY (d for day without leading zero with dot and whitespace as separator, MMMM for month in written form without dot and with whitespace as separator and YYYY for year.
Examples
Source text: 03/08/2022
✘ 03/08/2022
✘ 8.03.2022
✘ 8. Marca 2022
✓ 08. 03. 2022
✓ 8. 03. 2022
✓ 8. marca 2022
✓ 8. marec 2022
Source text: 12/29/2022
✘ 12/29/2022
✘ 29.12.2022
✘ 29. Decembra 2023
✓ 29. 12. 2023
✓ 29. decembra 2023
✓ 29. december 2023
6.4. Time format
Slovak time should always be stated in a 24-hour format. Use either a dot (more frequent) or a colon (e.g., in a form or table) on the line as the separators between hours and minutes. Most often, the time is followed by a h or the abbreviation hod.
Examples
Source text: The meeting starts at 2 PM.
✘ Porada sa začína o 2 pm.
✓ Porada sa začína o 14.00 hod.
6.5. Measures
Units of measurement should always keep the format of the source text and should never be converted, unless expressly requested by the client.
The symbol of a unit of measurement is separated from the numerical value by a whitespace even when the measure is used as an adjective, e.g., 2 l fľaša (dvojlitrová fľaša), 10 m kábel (desaťmetrový kábel), 10 mm zošívačka (desaťmilimetrová zošívačka).
Units of measurement (such as imperial measures inches, feet, miles, etc.) should be translated if there is an equivalent term in Slovak. However, note that the symbol of unit of measurement should be kept (e.g., 2 ft, 20 cm).
Examples
Source text: The closest gas station is 5 miles away.
✘ Najbližšia čerpacia stanica je vzdialená 8 km.
✓ Najbližšia čerpacia stanica je vzdialená 5 míľ.
Source text: They stopped him after 120 km.
✘ Zastavili ho až po 120-tich km.
✓ Zastavili ho až po 120 km.
6.6. Currency
When mentioning a currency, it can be used either after (more frequent) or before the number, with a whitespace as a separator.
Example
Source text: Net profit reached €7,000.
✘ Čistý zisk dosiahol 7,000EUR.
✓ Čistý zisk dosiahol 7 000 EUR.
✓ Čistý zisk dosiahol € 7 000.
7. Tricky cases
Translation of the English preposition ‘for’ using Slovak prepositions na or pre
There are two tricky prepositions that are often used incorrectly, na/pre:
We used pre in case something is meant to be done for someone or something has happened due to someone/some reason/aim. (for user, for buyer).
Examples
Source text: Instructions for the user
✘ Pokyny na použitie.
✓ Pokyny pre používateľa
Source text: The folder for your service provider was not found.
✘ Priečinok na vášho poskytovateľa služieb sa nenašiel.
✓ Priečinok pre vášho poskytovateľa služieb sa nenašiel.
We used na in case something is considered to be done (for use – na použitie, for rent – na prenájom, for reading – na čítanie).
Examples
Source text: Instructions for use.
✘ Pokyny pre používanie.
✓ Pokyny na používanie.
Source text: The device is not ready for use.
✘ Zariadenie nie je pripravené pre používanie.
✓ Zariadenie nie je pripravené na používanie.
Translating the word variant
Please avoid the common orthographic mistake of translating the word variant. It should be always translated as variant, not varianta.
Examples
Source text: You chose the wrong variant.
✘ Vybrali ste si nesprávnu variantu.
✓ Vybrali ste si nesprávny variant.
Translating the word button
Please avoid the common orthographic mistake of translating the word button. It should always be translated as tlačidlo not tlačítko.
Examples
Source text: Then click the OK button.
✘ Potom kliknite na tlačítko OK.
✓ Potom kliknite na tlačidlo OK.
Translating the word set and kit
Please avoid the common mistake when translating the words set and kit. Do not translate them as a sada, which is non-literal in Slovak. These words should be translated as súprava, súbor or množina zostava.
Example
Source text: Assembly kit
✘ Montážna sada
✓ Montážna súprava
Example
Source text: It will be necessary to do a new set of measurements.
✘Bude potrebné vykonať novú sadu meraní.
✓ Bude potrebné vykonať nový súbor meraní.
Inconsistent register
Inconsistent register refers to cases where formal and informal registers have been mixed by mistake. This error is very easy to make when working fast, so extra care should be taken to check that the register is consistent.
Example
Source text: Could you send us the link to the website?
✘Mohol by si nám poslať odkaz na webovú stránku?
✓ Mohli by ste nám poslať odkaz na webovú stránku?
8. Useful online resources
The Rules of Slovak Orthography
Slovak dictionaries
Terminology databases
Terminologická databáza ÚNM SR
English dictionaries
Specialist dictionaries
Elektronické komunikácie – výkladový
Geographical terminology
Úrad geodézie, kartografie a katastra Slovenskej republiky
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