TL;DR
- Czech greetings like “Dobrý den” (Good day) and “Ahoj” (Hi/Bye) go a long way.
- “Prosím” means please, here you are, or you’re welcome.
- “Děkuji” = Thank you; “Na shledanou” = Goodbye.
- Most phrases stress the first syllable and sound exactly as written.
- Learn just 15–20 common Czech phrases to navigate any trip confidently.
What Are the Most Common Czech Phrases?
The most common Czech phrases are simple words used daily by locals — greetings, polite expressions, and essential questions.
Knowing just a handful of them makes traveling in the Czech Republic smoother and more enjoyable.
According to Discovering Prague, even a polite “Dobrý den” or “Prosím” earns you friendlier service and a smile.
Czechs appreciate genuine effort, not perfection.
Let’s start with basic Czech greetings you’ll hear everywhere.
Essential Czech Greetings 🇨🇿
| English | Czech | Pronunciation | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello / Good day | Dobrý den | DOH-bree den | Formal greeting |
| Hi / Bye | Ahoj | ah-hoy | Informal, friendly |
| Goodbye | Na shledanou | nah-skhleh-dah-no | Polite farewell |
| Good morning | Dobré ráno | DOH-breh rah-no | Morning only |
| Good evening | Dobrý večer | DOH-bree veh-cher | After 5 PM |
| Good night | Dobrou noc | DOH-broh nots | Before sleep |
💡 Tip: Stress always falls on the first syllable — DOH-bree den, not doh-BREE den.
Everyday Polite Expressions
Czech courtesy revolves around just a few powerful words.
As PragueWise notes, mastering these creates instant goodwill.
| English | Czech | Pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Please | Prosím | PRO-seem | Also means “Here you go” or “You’re welcome” |
| Thank you | Děkuji / Děkuju | DYEH-koo-yee / DYEH-koo-yoo | Formal / informal |
| Thanks | Díky / Dík | DEE-kee / Deek | Casual |
| You’re welcome | Není zač | NEH-nee zahch | Literally “It’s nothing” |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Promiňte | PROH-min-tyeh | Use for apologies or to get attention |
| Yes | Ano | AH-no | Straightforward |
| No | Ne | Neh | Simple and common |
Useful Czech Phrases for Tourists
Below are expressions you’ll likely need during your stay.
(Adapted from Chapman University’s Basic Czech Phrases and CzechClass101 resources.)
| Situation | English | Czech | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meeting someone | What’s your name? | Jak se jmenujete? | |
| Introducing yourself | My name is… | Jmenuji se… | |
| Small talk | How are you? | Jak se máte? | |
| Replying politely | I’m fine, thanks. | Mám se dobře, děkuji. | |
| Emergency or need help | Help, please! | Pomoc, prosím! | |
| Asking about language | Do you speak English? | Mluvíte anglicky? | |
| When confused | I don’t understand. | Nerozumím. | |
| Finding facilities | Where is the bathroom? | Kde je toaleta? | |
| Shopping or negotiating | How much is it? | Kolik to stojí? | |
| At a restaurant or café | The bill, please. | Účet, prosím. |
Restaurant and Food Phrases 🍽️
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| One beer, please. | Jedno pivo, prosím. | |
| The menu, please. | Jídelní lístek, prosím. | |
| Water, please. | Vodu, prosím. | |
| Cheers! | Na zdraví! | |
| Delicious! | Výborné! | |
| I’m vegetarian. | Jsem vegetarián. |
Travel and Direction Phrases 🗺️
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Where is…? | Kde je…? | |
| Train station | nádraží | |
| Bus stop | autobusová zastávka | |
| Hotel | hotel | |
| Left / Right | vlevo / vpravo | |
| Straight ahead | rovně | |
| Help! | Pomoc! |
How to Use Czech Politeness Naturally
In Czech culture, politeness feels understated yet sincere.
Locals prefer modest, calm communication — not exaggerated enthusiasm.
According to Wikivoyage’s Czech Phrasebook, a genuine smile with a simple “Dobrý den” means more than perfect grammar.
- Start every conversation with “Dobrý den.”
- Always end with “Na shledanou” or “Díky.”
- Avoid loud tones — soft, clear speech is preferred.
- Use “Prosím” liberally — it’s your all-purpose word for politeness.
Fun and Quirky Czech Phrases
Locals often use colorful idioms that reflect Czech humor.
Here are a few you might overhear:
| Czech Expression | Literal Meaning | English Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Mám hlad jako vlk. | I’m hungry like a wolf. | I’m starving. |
| To je brnkačka. | That’s a little pluck. | That’s easy. |
| Jsem v pohodě. | I’m in comfort. | I’m fine / No worries. |
| Držím palce! | I’m holding my thumbs! | Fingers crossed! |
Learning these adds a friendly local touch when chatting with Czech speakers.
Pronunciation Tips for Beginners
Czech pronunciation looks tricky, but it’s phonetic — each letter matches one sound.
Here’s a mini-guide:
- á, é, í, ó, ú, ý → long vowels; hold them slightly longer.
- č = ch in “chocolate.”
- š = sh in “shoe.”
- ř = a rolled “r” mixed with “zh.” (Try saying “r-zh.”)
- ň, ť, ď → soft versions of n, t, d — like “ny,” “ty,” “dy.”
You can hear native pronunciation on Forvo.
For structured sound practice, check our 3D Czech Pronunciation Table.
Quick Czech Phrase Checklist
✅ Memorize 10 greetings & polite words.
✅ Practice stress on first syllables.
✅ Listen to Czech podcasts or YouTube clips.
✅ Repeat short dialogues aloud daily.
✅ Download phrase apps or offline sheets before flying.
FAQ: Common Czech Phrases
Q: What are the most common Czech phrases for travelers?
A: Dobrý den, Prosím, Děkuji, Ahoj, and Na shledanou — they cover 80% of daily interactions.
Q: How hard is Czech pronunciation?
A: It looks complex, but Czech spelling is phonetic — once you learn the letter sounds, reading is easy.
Q: What’s the best phrase to start any conversation?
A: Always begin with “Dobrý den.” It’s polite and universally appreciated.
Q: Can I use “Ahoj” with strangers?
A: Only in informal settings. Use Dobrý den in shops or with older people.
Q: What’s “Cheers” in Czech?
A: Na zdraví! — pronounced nah zdrah-vee.
Conclusion
Mastering a few common Czech phrases transforms your travel experience.
You’ll connect faster, avoid confusion, and show respect for local culture.
From “Prosím” to “Dobrý den,” every word you use bridges cultural gaps.
If you’re continuing your Czech learning journey, explore: