Predtým

Predtým is a Slovak adverb meaning “before” or “previously.” It indicates a time that occurred earlier than another event or moment and is commonly used to relate actions in a sequence. In narrative and exposition, predtým helps anchor the order of events and reference points in time.

Predtým can introduce subordinate clauses with predtým ako or predtým než, and it can also stand alone to refer to a previously mentioned time. Examples: „Predtým som býval v Bratislave.“; „Predtým, než sme odleteli, sme si zbalili veci.“; „Predtým, ako to urobíš, porozmýšľaj.“ In these constructions, a comma commonly precedes the clause that follows predtým when it introduces an accompanying statement.

Etymology and cognates: predtým is a native Slovak formation built from the prefix pred- meaning “before” and tým, a demonstrative element related to “that time.” The word is cognate with the Czech předtím. Both languages use this adverb to mark a prior time in relation to a reference point.

Usage notes: Predtým is versatile in both formal and informal Slovak. It contrasts with more general terms like skôr (earlier) by pointing to a specific prior moment relative to another event. In written Slovak, predtým frequently appears with a following clause, and punctuation typically reflects the syntactic relation to the subsequent time frame.

See also: temporal adverbs in Slovak; pred- prefix in Slavic languages; comparison with Czech předtím.