Dobrý den
Pronunciation: DOH-bree den
Meaning: Hello / good day
A safe polite greeting with strangers.
Czech in local context
Prague local language guide
Practical Czech for Prague with greetings, pronunciation, cafés, public transport, courtesy, and realistic visitor situations. Learn what expressions mean, how they sound, when they are useful, and when plain respectful language is better.
12 practical expressions
Ahoj
Pronunciation: AH-hoy
Meaning: Hello / goodbye
Informal; use it with friends or when the setting clearly invites informality.
Děkuji
Pronunciation: DYEH-koo-yee
Meaning: Thank you
A standard expression of thanks.
Prosím
Pronunciation: PRO-seem
Meaning: Please / you’re welcome
Its meaning changes with context.
Promiňte
Pronunciation: PRO-min-teh
Meaning: Excuse me / sorry
A polite form for strangers or groups.
Kolik to stojí?
Pronunciation: KOH-lik toh STOH-yee
Meaning: How much does it cost?
A clear general price question.
Kde je metro?
Pronunciation: gdeh yeh MEH-troh
Meaning: Where is the metro?
Station names are often easier to show than pronounce.
Můžete mi pomoci?
Pronunciation: MOO-zheh-teh mee POH-moh-tsee
Meaning: Can you help me?
A polite request for assistance.
Vodu, prosím
Pronunciation: VOH-doo PRO-seem
Meaning: Water, please
You may need to specify still or sparkling water.
Účet, prosím
Pronunciation: OO-chet PRO-seem
Meaning: The bill, please
Used in restaurants and cafés.
Mluvíte anglicky?
Pronunciation: MLOO-vee-teh AN-glits-kee
Meaning: Do you speak English?
A polite language question.
Kartou, prosím
Pronunciation: KAR-toh PRO-seem
Meaning: By card, please
Useful when stating the preferred payment method.
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Usage and pronunciation note
Pronunciation varies by speaker, neighbourhood, age, language background, and situation. Browser voice is an orientation aid rather than proof of one correct local accent.
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LocalMean prioritises practical meaning, cultural context, respectful use, realistic visitor situations, and clear distinctions between languages that share the same city.
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