Czech Prepositions Unpacked: K / KE

Movement towards, proximity, and why you stop before entering

The Czech preposition k (and its phonetic variant ke) expresses one very precise idea: movement towards something or someone, without entering.

This makes k / ke fundamentally different from do and na.

Core Meaning: Approaching, Not Entering

The core concept of k / ke is proximity.

You move towards a place or person, but you do not go inside.

The key question is: KAM? “Where to?”

Core Rule: K / KE + Dative

The preposition k / ke is always followed by the dative case. There are no exceptions.

If you see k / ke, you automatically expect:

• direction

• proximity

• dative

Movement Towards a Place (Without Entering)

Buildings and locations

K / ke is used when you go to the vicinity of a place, but not inside.

• Přijdu ke škole a počkám na tebe.
  “I’ll come to the school and wait for you.”
  (I will not enter the building.)

• Tramvaj jede k Národnímu divadlu.
  “The tram goes to the National Theatre.”
  (It stops nearby.)

Compare with do:

• Jdu do školy.
  “I’m going into the school.”

Physical proximity

• Šel jsem k oknu.
  “I went to the window.”

• Sedla si ke stolu.
  “She sat down at the table.”

The movement ends near the object, not inside it.

K / KE with People (Very Important Rule)

When referring to people, Czech uses k / ke almost exclusively. This is a crucial rule for learners.

Going to someone’s place

• Můžu k tobě zítra přijít?
  “Can I come to your place tomorrow?”

• V sobotu pojedu k Petrovi.
  “On Saturday I’ll go to Peter’s place.”

This does not mean standing next to the person. It means going to where they are.

Professions and services

• Musím jít k doktorovi.
  “I have to go to the doctor.”

• Objednala se k zubaři.
  “She made an appointment with the dentist.”

Using do here would sound unnatural or wrong.

K vs. DO vs. NA (Key Contrast)

This contrast is central to Czech prepositions.

• DO → entering inside

• NA → surface, area, activity

• K → approaching, proximity

Compare:

• Jdu do banky.
  “I’m going into the bank.”

• Jdu na koncert.
  “I’m going to a concert.”

• Jdu k bance.
  “I’m going to the bank (but not inside).”

Abstract Direction and Attitude

K / ke also expresses abstract movement or orientation.

• Má blízko k umění.
  “He has a close relationship to art.”

• Přikláním se k názoru.
  “I lean toward that opinion.”

• Je to krok k lepší budoucnosti.
  “It’s a step toward a better future.”

The idea of “towards” remains.

K or KE? (Pronunciation Rule)

Just like z / ze, the choice between k and ke is purely phonetic.

Use KE:

• before words starting with k, g, h

• or when pronunciation would be difficult

Examples:

• Ke škole.
  “To the school.”

• Ke Karlovi.
  “To Karel.”

Use K everywhere else:

• K domu.
  “To the house.”

• K Petrovi.
  “To Peter.”

Meaning never changes.

Common Learner Mistakes

Using DO with people

Incorrect:

• Jdu do doktora.

Correct:

• Jdu k doktorovi.
  “I’m going to the doctor.”

Forgetting the dative

Incorrect:

• k Petr

Correct:

• k Petrovi
  “to Peter”

Summary: How to Think About K / KE

Instead of translating k as “to,” think:

• towards

• close to

• in someone’s direction

• approaching, not entering

If you stop before something or go to a person, k / ke is usually the right choice.

Final Learning Tip

If you hesitate between do and k, ask yourself: Am I going inside, or just getting close?

Inside → do
Close / to a person → k

Once you internalize this difference, Czech suddenly becomes very precise.