Learning how to be Polite in Czech
Learning how to be polite in Czech is a great way to connect with locals and feel more at home during your Erasmus+ experience. The Czech language has a lot of subtle ways to show respect and kindness, and while it may seem tricky at first, getting the hang of it will make your interactions smoother. Politeness has always been important in Czech culture, whether you’re talking to a professor, a shopkeeper, or meeting new friends. Knowing a few key phrases and how to use them can go a long way in making a good impression and building relationships. Let’s explore some of the best ways to express politeness and kindness in Czech!
We have a free online lesson on this topic here.
Politeness in Czech is more than just saying “please” and “thank you”; it’s about showing respect, whether you’re meeting someone for the first time, addressing a teacher, or asking for help in public. Let’s dive into some key aspects of how to express kindness and politeness in Czech!
The Importance of “Vykání” and “Tykání”
In Czech, there’s a strong distinction between formal and informal ways of addressing people, known as vykání (formal “you”) and tykání (informal “you”). This distinction is crucial for showing respect and politeness.
Vykání is used when addressing someone older, a stranger, or someone in a position of authority, like professors or supervisors. It reflects respect and is a standard for formal situations. For example:
“Můžete mi, prosím, poradit?” (Can you please give me advice?) — here, you are being formal by using the polite form of “you.”
On the other hand, tykání is used among friends, peers, or people you know well. It shows familiarity and closeness, and you’ll notice young people and students using tykání with each other. For example:
“Pomůžeš mi s tím, prosím?” (Can you help me with this, please?) — here, you’re using the informal form of “you.”
In Czech culture, it’s polite to start with vykání, and the transition to tykání usually happens only when both parties agree, often by saying:
“Můžeme si tykat?” (Can we switch to informal you?).
Start with a Smile: Greetings and Pleasantries
In the Czech Republic, starting a conversation with the right greeting sets the tone. If you want to be polite and formal, use:
“Dobrý den” (Good day) — This is perfect for any time before evening.
For evening meetings, say:
“Dobrý večer” (Good evening).
For informal greetings among friends, you can simply use the following:
“Ahoj” (Hi/Bye).
Please, Thank You, and Excuse Me
Mastering polite expressions like “please” and “thank you” will get you far in Czech society. Here are some key phrases:
• Prosím (Please) — This word can be used for making requests.
Example: “Můžete mi, prosím, říct cestu?” (Can you please tell me the way?).
• Děkuji (Thank you) — It’s essential to express gratitude.
Example: “Děkuji za pomoc.” (Thank you for the help).
• Promiňte (Excuse me) — Use this phrase when you need to apologise or get someone’s attention.
Example: “Promiňte, kde je nejbližší kavárna?” (Excuse me, where is the nearest café?).
Respect in Conversation
In addition to greetings and politeness markers, knowing when to use formal or informal language is a huge part of being respectful in Czech. Whether you’re talking to a professor or a peer, be mindful of the social cues and adjust your language accordingly.
Quiz Time!
1. What is the formal greeting used during the day among people who do not know one another?
a) Ahoj
b) Dobrý večer
c) Dobrý den
2. How do you say “thank you” in Czech?
a) Dobrý den
b) Děkuji
c) Prosím
3. Which word means “please” in Czech?
a) Děkuji
b) Prosím
c) Na shledanou
4. What is the formal version of “you” in Czech?
a) Ty
b) Vy
c) Oni
5. What should you say when you bump into someone?
a) Ahoj
b) Promiňte
c) Děkuji
For correct answers, ask in the by replying below.
These simple expressions make it easier to connect with people and show respect in the Czech Republic. Keep practising, and politeness will soon come naturally!
Do you want to discuss this? Leave a comment in reply below.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Martin, OLS Community Manager – Czech