Photo by Danilo R on Unsplash
Looking for the most useful basic words in Czech? You’ve found them. Whether you’re traveling, moving to Prague, or just curious about the Czech language, this guide gives you an easy reference to essential Czech vocabulary—with English translations and pronunciation included.
Table of Contents
Open Table of Contents
📌 Quick Overview
| English Phrase | Czech Phrase | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Ano | (ah-noh) |
| No | Ne | (neh) |
| Please | Prosím | (pro-seem) |
| Thank you | Děkuji | (dyeh-kooyee) |
| Hello / Good day | Dobrý den | (dobree den) |
| Good morning | Dobré ráno | (dobreh rah-noh) |
| Good night | Dobrou noc | (dob-roh nots) |
| Goodbye | Na shledanou | (naskh-le-danow) |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Promiňte | (pro-min-teh) |
| What is your name? | Jak se jmenujete? | (yak se ymen-oo-yeh-te) |
| My name is… | Jmenuji se… | (ymen-oo-yee se…) |
| How are you? | Jak se máte? | (yak se mah-te) |
| I’m fine, and you? | Děkuji, dobře. A vy? | (dyeh-kooyee, dob-zhe. ah vih) |
| I don’t understand | Nerozumím | (neh-roh-zoo-meem) |
| Do you speak English? | Mluvíte anglicky? | (mloo-vee-te ang-lits-kee) |
| Where is the bathroom? | Kde je toaleta? | (kdeh yeh toh-ah-leh-tah) |
| How much is it? | Kolik to stojí? | (koh-leek toh stoyee) |
🎒 10 Must-Know Czech Phrases for Beginners
- Prosím = Please / Here you go / You’re welcome (pro-seem)
- Děkuju = Thanks (dyeh-kooyoo)
- Dobrý den = Good day / Hello (dobree den)
- Ahoj = Hi / Bye (ah-hoy)
- Kde je toaleta? = Where is the bathroom?
- Kolik to stojí? = How much is it?
- Nashledanou = Goodbye (nus-hle-dah-no)
- Ano = Yes (ah-noh)
- Ne = No (neh)
- Nemluvím česky. = I don’t speak Czech. (neh-mloo-veem ches-kee)
🧳 Travel Essentials
If you’re visiting the Czech Republic—whether for a city break in Prague or a countryside getaway—these basic words in Czech will help you get around with ease. Transportation signs and announcements are often in Czech only, especially outside major cities, so it’s helpful to memorize key terms.
Here are essential travel-related Czech words and phrases every traveler should know:
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Hotel | (ho-tel) |
| Airport | Letiště | (le-tee-shteh) |
| Train Station | Nádraží | (nah-drah-zhee) |
| Bus | Autobus | (ow-toh-boos) |
| Taxi | Taxi | (tahk-see) |
| Ticket | Jízdenka | (yeez-den-kah) |
| Luggage | Zavazadla | (zah-vah-zahd-lah) |
| Street | Ulice | (oo-lee-tseh) |
| Map | Mapa | (mah-pah) |
| Entrance | Vchod | (v-khod) |
| Exit | Východ | (vee-khod) |
| Left | Vlevo | (v-leh-voh) |
| Right | Vpravo | (v-prah-voh) |
| Straight ahead | Rovně | (roh-vnyeh) |
✈️ Airport Tips
Most airport announcements in Prague are bilingual, but smaller regional airports may only use Czech. Recognizing signs like Východ (Exit) or Přílety (Arrivals) can save you confusion. Look for Toalety (Restrooms) and Zavazadla (Luggage claim) too.
🚉 Navigating Public Transport
The Czech Republic has one of the most efficient and affordable public transport systems in Europe. When buying a ticket (jízdenka), be sure to validate it using the yellow machine on trams and buses. If you’re unsure, asking “Kolik to stojí?” (How much is it?) is a good backup phrase.
🗺️ Asking for Directions
If you’re lost, you can say:
“Kde je nádraží?” = “Where is the train station?”
Czechs are generally helpful, especially if you try a few words in their language. Having basic Czech words on hand makes the exchange smoother and friendlier.
🛑 Signage to Know
- Zákaz vstupu = No entry
- Pozor = Caution
- Průchod zakázán = Passage prohibited
- Otevřeno / Zavřeno = Open / Closed
Learning just these simple words can greatly reduce travel stress—and even earn you a few smiles from locals.
🍽️ At the Restaurant
Dining out in the Czech Republic is a memorable experience—from hearty goulash and dumplings to world-famous beer. To make your meal smoother and more enjoyable, it helps to know some basic words in Czech used in restaurants, cafés, and pubs.
Here are some key Czech words and phrases that will come in handy when eating out:
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Menu | Jídelní lístek | (yee-del-nee lees-tek) |
| Waiter | Číšník | (cheesh-neek) |
| Waitress | Servírka | (ser-veer-kah) |
| I would like… | Dal bych si… | (dal bikh si…) |
| Beer | Pivo | (pee-voh) |
| Wine | Víno | (vee-noh) |
| Water | Voda | (voh-dah) |
| The bill, please | Účet, prosím | (oo-chet pro-seem) |
| Cheers! | Na zdraví! | (nah zdrah-vee!) |
| Delicious | Výborné | (vee-born-eh) |
| I’m vegetarian | Jsem vegetarián | (ysem veh-geh-tar-ee-ahn) |
📝 Ordering Like a Local
When you’re ready to order, try saying:
“Dám si jedno pivo, prosím.”
(I’ll have one beer, please.)
Using prosím (please) frequently shows politeness and is a catch-all phrase for many situations.
💡 Useful Phrases to Ask
If you’re unsure about the dish, ask:
- “Co doporučujete?” = What do you recommend?
- “Máte vegetariánské jídlo?” = Do you have vegetarian food?
- “Bez masa, prosím.” = Without meat, please.
Czechs generally appreciate when foreigners try to use their language—even if it’s just basic Czech words—and restaurant staff in cities usually speak basic English, especially in tourist areas.
💰 Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is common in Czech restaurants, and 10% is considered polite. You can simply say:
“Zaplatíme.” = We’re ready to pay.
Or hand the money directly and say:
“Děkuji, na shledanou!” = Thank you, goodbye!
This polite farewell closes your meal on a warm note—and practicing basic words in Czech during your meal makes it even more memorable.
🛍️ Shopping and Money
Shopping in the Czech Republic can be a fun and cultural experience—whether you’re browsing local markets, buying souvenirs, or picking up essentials at a grocery store. Knowing basic words in Czech will make your shopping smoother and more enjoyable.
Here are some useful Czech phrases and words to help you navigate shops confidently:
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| How much is it? | Kolik to stojí? | (koh-leek toh stoh-yee) |
| It’s too expensive | Je to drahé | (yeh toh dra-heh) |
| Cheaper | Levnější | (lev-nyeh-shee) |
| I want this | Chci to | (khtsee toh) |
| I don’t want this | Nechci to | (ne-khtsee toh) |
| Do you have…? | Máte…? | (mah-teh) |
| Cash | Hotovost | (ho-toh-vohst) |
| Credit card | Platební karta | (pla-teb-nee kar-ta) |
| Receipt | Účtenka | (oo-chtehn-kah) |
| Bag | Taška | (tah-shkah) |
🛒 Questions to Ask While Shopping
If you’re in a store and need help, try asking:
“Máte větší velikost?”
(Do you have a bigger size?)
Or:
“Mohu si to vyzkoušet?”
(Can I try it on?)
These phrases show that you’re making an effort and often result in better service—even if your Czech isn’t perfect.
💳 Paying in Czech Stores
Most places accept cards, but smaller shops may prefer hotovost (cash). If you’re not sure, you can ask:
“Berete kartu?” = Do you take card?
When you’re ready to pay, simply say:
“Zaplatím kartou.” = I’ll pay by card.
Don’t forget to say “Děkuji” (thank you)—it goes a long way in any interaction.
🎁 Markets and Souvenirs
In traditional markets or tourist areas, vendors are used to foreigners. Still, using basic words in Czech like “Prosím”, “Děkuji”, and “Kolik to stojí?” can make your experience more immersive and enjoyable.
Even a few words will help you haggle more effectively, find what you’re looking for, and connect with locals. That’s the magic of speaking even a little Czech!
💬 Fun Czech Expressions
- Máte přání? = May I help you?
- Je tu obsazeno? = Is this seat taken?
- Smím prosit? = Would you like to dance?
- Zaplatíme. = We’re ready to pay.
- Z technických důvodů zavřeno. = Closed due to technical reasons.
- Volané číslo neexistuje. = The number you are calling does not exist.
🇨🇿 Why Learn Basic Words in Czech?
Learning basic Czech words helps you connect with locals, navigate daily situations, and gain cultural insight. While many Czechs in big cities speak English, knowing a few native phrases shows respect and effort.
🧠 Tips for Memorizing Czech Words
- Use flashcards with pronunciation notes.
- Practice with native speakers via language apps.
- Watch Czech films with subtitles.
- Label household objects in Czech.
- Speak out loud—even if you’re alone!
Now that you know the most important basic words in Czech, you’re ready to greet people, order food, and explore with confidence. Bookmark this page or print it out—it’s your pocket Czech phrasebook.
Try our Czech Interactive Character Tool and Avatalks lessons to start practicing in real time.
Happy learning — or as they say in Czech: Šťastné učení! 🎓