We speak Czech in the Czech Republic. As part of the Slavic language group, we share plenty of linguistic and cultural characteristics with Slovakia and some with Poland, Croatia, Serbia, and many more. Although those languages may sound similar, be aware that we generally don’t understand each other too much. Except for Slovaks – we do understand our brothers!
While 82 % of people between 18 and 24 speak a foreign language, this is not always the case with older generations. Thus, we highly recommend you learn some basic Czech words and phrases – it will please every Czech person you encounter and make your stay much easier!
Tip 1: Download the Duolingo app and offline Czech package on Google translate or Deepl translate.
Tip 2: Check out “Czech for beginners” courses taught at UCT Prague.
Tip 3: When dealing with local authorities (Foreign Police, Ministry of Interior, etc.), bring a Czech acquaintance with you if possible (don’t hesitate to ask for assistance at ESN UCT Prague or Tutors). It is not uncommon that the office workers will talk to you exclusively in Czech.
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Basic Czech vocabulary |
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Hello |
Ahoj (informal) |
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Dobrý den (formal) |
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Thank you |
Děkuji |
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No, thanks |
Ne, děkuji |
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Sorry |
Promiň (informal) |
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Promiňte (formal) |
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Yes |
Ano |
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No |
Ne |
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I don’t understand. |
Nerozumím. |
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I don’t know. |
Nevím. |
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I don’t speak Czech. |
Nemluvím česky. |
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Excuse me (if you want to bypass a person) |
S dovolením! |
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Do you speak English? |
Mluvíte anglicky? |
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Where is the bathroom? |
Kde je WC? |
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I will have... |
Dám si… |
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Beer |
Pivo |
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Signs |
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Warning |
Upozornění/varování |
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Exit |
Východ |
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Caution |
Pozor |
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No entry |
Zákaz vstupu |
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Break |
Přestávka |
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Open |
Otevřeno |
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Close |
Zavřeno |