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10 Czech words and expressions you need to know for your trip in Prague

Many people may choose to avoid certain countries simply because they do not speak English. As seaside travelers, we can say this is a big mistake! Not only do non-English speaking countries open your eyes to an entirely new world, but you will also be surprised with how many locals will at least TRY to speak to tourists in English to make them feel more welcome. 

On the flip side, locals absolutely love it when tourists attempt to speak the country鈥檚 native language. In France, try and order a croissant in French. In Spain, attempt to order ceviche in Spanish. In Germany 鈥� well, German is very difficult! 

But, if you are heading to Czechia, we recommend trying to learn a few phrases to really impress your Airbnb host, the waiter at the nearby coffee shop, or the bartender at the neighborhood beer garden. Although your accent may not be perfect, they will appreciate you trying!

Kde je pivn铆 zahrada? (kdeh yeh peev-nee zah-hra-da) = Where is the beer garden?

Okay, you may not think this is the most important 鈥� but once you get to Czechia, you will see why it is! Czechia is actually the biggest beer-drinking nation in all of Europe (sorry, Ireland, we knew you wanted to win this one). With Pilsner Urquell being the country鈥檚 leading beer, you will see people drinking beer at all times of the day. The lite pilsner makes it easy to drink in the early afternoon or all night long, meaning you absolutely MUST learn how to ask this question. Or, you can at least just stop the phrase short and ask, 鈥榳here is the beer?鈥� 鈥� people will still understand, trust us. 

Platit, prosim (pla-tyit pro-seem) = Pay, please!

So this might sound a little awkward for native English speakers, but if you really need to leave a restaurant to catch a bus, you only see your waitress once every 20-30 minutes, or you just don鈥檛 know where to pay your bill, this can be an easy way to get the bill and continue sightseeing. BUT, please keep in mind that if you use this phrase, you should just raise your hand as an indication to get the check 鈥� Czech people don鈥檛 love noisy tourists who shout in public places. 

Nemluv铆m 膷esky (nem-lo-veeam cheah-kee) = I don鈥檛 speak Czech

Well, this isn鈥檛 completely true since you speak a few phrases now! But this can be helpful to say if someone at a restaurant, train station, airport, or hotel thinks that you are a Czech citizen. Once you say this in your foreign accent, they will know right away you aren鈥檛 from there. 

Dobry (do-bree) = Well/good

This phrase is excellent and can be used for anything. If someone asks how you are doing, you can say this word. If someone asks how the food is, respond with 鈥淒obry!鈥� to impress the waiter. It鈥檚 a win-win! 

笔谤辞蝉铆尘 (pro-seem) = please / you鈥檙e welcome

This phrase has a double meaning, but it can be a helpful way to respond after someone has thanked you for doing something or if you have trouble understanding what someone said. If someone has asked you a question and you didn鈥檛 understand, say 鈥淧rosim鈥� to have them repeat themselves. Works like a charm! 

Dekuji (dye-ku-yi) = Thanks

This is arguably the most important phrase to learn during your trip to Prague. As a tourist, you want to be respectful and courteous to people who help you and whom you meet in the city. Make sure that you do NOT aid the unfortunate (and sometimes true) stereotype that foreigners in Europe are loud, noisy, and obnoxious. The more you say 鈥楧ekuji,鈥� the better off you will be. 

Ne (ne) = No 

We know you are on vacation and you want to say “Yes!” to everything, but sometimes you have to say no. If someone asks you if you want another beer — this would be your FIFTH — it could be time to say “Ne!” 

Doubrou Noc (Dobroh-nots) = Goodnight

for those who are staying with friends, couch surfing with a local, or sleeping in a hostel with Czech citizens, knowing how to say goodnight not only tells people you are going to bed, but can be a nice way to end the evening. 

Dobre Rano (Dobrye-rano) = Good morning!

Just like goodnight is helpful, good morning is just as effective. Plus, Czech locals will love that you wake up with a smile on your face and greet them with this phrase as you order your sunrise coffee!