dírek

Dárek is a Czech noun meaning a present or gift given to someone. It denotes an item or experience given without expectation of payment and is commonly used in everyday language. In more formal or literary contexts, the synonyms dar or dárek as a concept may appear, but dárek remains the everyday term, especially for casual or affectionate gifts. The word dárek is masculine and has the plural form dárky.

Etymology and forms: Dárek derives from the Proto-Slavic root *darъ, meaning “gift,” and is related to other Slavic terms for gift (for example Russian dar). The form dárek is a diminutive/colloquial development from the root dar, produced with the -ek suffix to signal a smaller or more informal gift. The neutral noun dar can be used in formal or ceremonial contexts.

Usage and examples: Dárek is used for gifts given on various occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, weddings, or thank-you gestures. Common phrases include dávat dárek (to give a gift) and dostat dárek (to receive a gift). Expressions like dárky pod stromeček (gifts under the Christmas tree) reflect cultural practices around gift-giving, particularly during Christmas when the tradition of Ježíšek (the little Jesus) delivering presents is common in the Czech Republic.

Related terms and variants: Dáreček is a diminutive form that conveys affection or the sense of a small gift. The adjective dárkový, as in dárkový poukaz (gift voucher), describes items intended as gifts. In distinction to dárek, the noun dar remains the more neutral, formal term for a gift.