Says a Czech proverb. So learn at least the top ten words and phrases here.

Basic Phrases

If you learn nothing else, try these phrases:

1. Prosím (pro-seem)

Possibly the most useful word in Czech. It means: 1) Please, 2) Here you are, 3) You're welcome, 4) What did you say?, 5) I'll have ... and can generally be used in times of doubt.

2. Děkuju(dyeh-kooyoo)

Thank you, is a universally useful phrase.

3. Ano (ah-noh)

Yes. Ano is often shortened to no, sometimes resulting in cross-language confusion.

4. Ne(neh)

No. Fairly straightforward and direct.

5. Dobrý den (dob-ree den)

Hello, Good afternoon. Use with people you don't know or who are superior to you.

6. Nashledanou (nus-hle-dah-no) Good bye. Use with people you don't know or who are superior to you.

7. Ahoj (ah-hoy)

Hi. or Bye. Much like Aloha this word can be used both when meeting and leaving. You will often hear Czechs saying hi while waving you goodbye. Čau is another informal equivalent.

8. Kde je toaleta? (kdeh yeh toh-ah-le-ta) Where is the bathroom? Obviously useful but getting you into the realm of phrases where you need to understand the answer.

9. Kolik to stojí? (koh-leek toh stoh-yee)

How much is it? Ditto.

10. Co je to? (tso yeh toh)

What is it? This phrase is especially useful to expand your vocabulary.

How to Say "Czech" in Czech

Where there is one word in English there are five in Czech.

čeština [chesh-tyi-nah]	Czech language
Češka [chesh-kah]	Czech woman
Čech [chekh]	Czech man
český, česká, české [chess-keeee]	adjective as in Česká republika - Czech Republic
česky [chess-kee]	Czech as in I speak Czech - an adverb

Note: It is a common error in English to say Czech instead of Czech Republic. However, Czech in English can only be used as an adjective or the name of the language.