pokiaľ

As Long as: Pokiaľ

Level 4

Pokiaľ has three common jobs: as long as (time), if or provided that (condition), and as far as (limit), as in pokiaľ viem.

How It Works

1. As long as (time). Pokiaľ can say that one thing lasts while another does, like kým: Pokiaľ svieti slnko, budeme vonku (As long as the sun is shining, we'll stay outside).

2. If, provided that (condition). Pokiaľ can introduce a condition, like ak. It is common in instructions, rules and polite messages: Pokiaľ máte otázky, ozvite sa nám (If you have any questions, get in touch). Often both readings fit at once: Pokiaľ máš horúčku, zostaň doma. The more formal v prípade, že does a similar job.

3. As far as (limit). In a few set phrases, pokiaľ says how far something goes: pokiaľ viem (as far as I know), pokiaľ sa pamätám (as far as I remember), and pokiaľ ide o + accusative (as far as ... is concerned): Pokiaľ ide o mňa, súhlasím.

Examples (5)

  1. Pokiaľ máš horúčku, zostaň doma.

    As long as you have a fever, stay at home.

    Word by Word: As-long-as you-have fever, stay at-home.

  2. Pokiaľ svieti slnko, budeme vonku.

    As long as the sun is shining, we'll stay outside.

    Word by Word: As-long-as shines sun, we-will-be outside.

    Time: pokiaľ works like kým.

  3. Pokiaľ máte otázky, ozvite sa nám.

    If you have any questions, get in touch with us.

    Word by Word: If you-have questions, call-out yourselves to-us.

    Condition: pokiaľ works like ak.

  4. Pokiaľ viem, obchod je dnes zatvorený.

    As far as I know, the shop is closed today.

    Word by Word: As-far-as I-know, shop is today closed.

  5. Pokiaľ ide o cenu, dohodneme sa.

    As far as the price is concerned, we'll come to an agreement.

    Word by Word: As-far-as goes about price, we-will-agree ourselves.

Common Mistakes

  • Using poznať in pokiaľ viem.

    Pokiaľ poznám, zajtra je sviatok.
    Pokiaľ viem, zajtra je sviatok.

    As far as I know is about a fact, so it uses vedieť: pokiaľ viem. Poznať is for knowing people and places.

  • Using the nominative after pokiaľ ide o.

    Pokiaľ ide o ja, súhlasím.
    Pokiaľ ide o mňa, súhlasím.

    The preposition o here takes the accusative: o mňa, o teba, o cenu.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

pokiaľLevel 4As Long as: Pokiaľ

Learn This First

Before As Long As: pokiaľ, learn If: ak. pokiaľ can work as a condition like ak.

Words in This Pattern

pokiaľ