Long vs short vowels

Long vowels are pronounced longer than short vowels. The mark is part of the spelling and can change the word.

Length changes the vowel

A long mark is not stress. Keep the vowel longer wherever it appears.

Clue / sound

a / á

Written form

rada

ráda

Note

The á is held longer.

Clue / sound

e / é

Written form

peče

péče

Note

The é is held longer.

Clue / sound

i / í

Written form

vina

vína

Note

The í is held longer.

Clue / sound

o / ó

Written form

gól

Note

ó is less common, but it is a long o.

Clue / sound

u / ú / ů

Written form

úkol

dům

Note

ú and ů are the same long u sound.

Clue / sound

y / ý

Written form

byt

být

Note

ý is pronounced like long í.

Clue / sound	Written form	Note
a / á	rada ráda	The á is held longer.
e / é	peče péče	The é is held longer.
i / í	vina vína	The í is held longer.
o / ó	gól	ó is less common, but it is a long o.
u / ú / ů	úkol dům	ú and ů are the same long u sound.
y / ý	byt být	ý is pronounced like long í.