An Introduction to the Czech Language

The Czech language might not be the first choice for language learners, but it should be. Rich in history, quirky in character, and spoken by over 10 million people, Czech is a Slavic language with plenty to offer. Whether you're planning a trip to Prague or just want to sound cool saying goodbye in Czech, this guide is your perfect jumping-off point. Let's dive into the essentials every beginner should know, with tips on pronunciation, greetings, numbers, and more.

What Is the Czech Language?

Czech is a West Slavic language closely related to Slovak and Polish. It uses the Latin alphabet with added diacritical marks. Czech is spoken predominantly in the Czech Republic and is known for its precise pronunciation and complex grammar.

Belonging to the same family as Russian, Serbian, and Croatian, Czech carries traces of a shared past; yet it's entirely its own. If you've already explored other Slavic languages, Czech will feel both familiar and refreshingly different.

The language has evolved through centuries of cultural shifts and is now considered one of the more logically structured Slavic languages, making it ideal for structured learners.

Is the Czech Republic Safe to Visit?

Yes, Czechia is considered one of the safest countries in Europe for travellers and expats alike. Whether you're exploring Prague’s buzzing cafés or settling into a quiet countryside village, you’ll find a strong sense of safety, stability, and community.

But what’s life in the Czech Republic really like? In Episode 3 of Connected by Language, we dive deep into Czech culture, from fairytale forests and classic authors to quirky traditions and iconic spots in Prague.

Plus, hear from Pink Mario, a bedroom pop artist with a wild story: teaching English in a remote Czech town, doing stand-up on Russian TV, and navigating a multilingual life shaped by his multicultural roots.

Czech Pronunciation: Sounds That Click (Literally)

Pronunciation is one of the most charming aspects of Czech. It might initially feel like a tongue twister, but don’t be discouraged. Czech pronunciation follows phonetic spelling, meaning most words sound just as they look. But beware: "just as they look" includes letters like č, š, and ř.

Here's a quick primer, giving you a sense of the distinct and beautiful sounds that define Czech pronunciation:

• Č/č = like 'ch' in "chocolate" – a soft and familiar sound, useful for words like český (Czech)
• Š/š = like 'sh' in "shoe" – heard in words such as škola (school), this sound is smooth and common
• Ř/ř = uniquely Czech, a blend of 'r' and 'zh' pronounced with a trill – considered one of the most challenging sounds for learners, found in the word třešně (cherries)
• Ě/ě = a palatalized 'ye' sound – this subtle twist appears in words like město (city), softening the preceding consonant
• Ch/ch = a guttural sound similar to the German "Bach" – bold and throaty, it occurs in chleba (bread) and gives Czech its distinctive resonance

While Czech lacks articles (like "the" or "a"), it makes up for it with pitch-perfect pronunciation rules. Practicing with native speakers is the best way to get a feel for it, so consider language exchange apps like Tandem to start speaking with locals.

How Do You Say Hello in Czech?

Greetings are essential, and in Czech, they're also quite friendly and fun. The Czech people strongly emphasize politeness and respect, which is often reflected in how they greet one another. Whether you're walking into a shop, meeting someone new, or chatting with a friend, the right greeting can set the tone for the entire interaction. Depending on the time of day, your relationship with the person, and the context, there are several ways to say hello, each with its own unique charm.

• Ahoj: Casual hello, similar to "hi"
• Dobrý den: Formal hello, meaning "Good day"
• Nazdar: Slangy and informal, like "Hey!"
• Čau: Used for both hello and goodbye, similar to the Italian "Ciao"
• Zdravím: A neutral and semi-formal greeting, commonly used in emails or when addressing a group
• Dobrý večer: "Good evening," used when greeting someone in the late part of the day
• Dobré ráno: "Good morning," a polite way to start a conversation early in the day

Use "Ahoj" with friends, "Dobrý den" in professional or formal settings, and you're off to a great start.

Goodbye in Czech: Parting Phrases

Saying goodbye can be just as charming as saying hello in Czech. The choices range from formal to extremely chill:

• Na shledanou: Formal, like "Goodbye"
• Ahoj: Casual, doubles as both hello and goodbye
• Čau: Informal, used between friends
• Zatím: Means "See you later"

So next time you part ways in Prague, you can do so like a local.

Numbers in the Czech Language

If you plan to order more than one trdelník, book train tickets, or even haggle over souvenirs, numbers are your best friend. They’re among the most practical language tools and can help you navigate markets, restaurants, public transportation, and beyond. Mastering the basics gives you the confidence to handle everyday tasks with ease.

Here’s a starter guide to Czech numbers from 1 to 10:

1. jeden – one
2. dva – two
3. tři – three
4. čtyři – four
5. pět – five
6. šest – six
7. sedm – seven
8. osm – eight
9. devět – nine
10. deset – ten

Beyond these, you can begin to form larger numbers: for example, dvacet (twenty), třicet (thirty), and so on. Czech numbers change form depending on grammatical case, gender, and quantity, which affects how you say things like "two apples" or "three people." But don’t stress about that just yet.

For now, start by memorizing these essentials, practicing pronunciation, and listening for them in real-world settings like street signs, menus, or announcements. Building a strong foundation with numbers will open up many day-to-day interactions in Czech.

Saying Thank You in Czech

Gratitude goes a long way in any language, and Czech is no exception. Knowing how to say thank you will not only show good manners but also endear you to locals.

The most common way to say thank you in Czech is:

• Děkuji: Standard and polite

You might also hear:

• Díky: Informal and friendly, like "Thanks"

To add even more politeness, you can say:

• Děkuji moc: "Thank you very much"

Practicing your thank-yous is a great way to warm up to Czech. For more ways to express gratitude worldwide, check out this guide on thank you in many languages.

Basic Czech Phrases for Everyday Use

A few useful phrases can go a long way, especially when navigating a new country, ordering at a restaurant, or simply being polite. Here are some essential expressions that will help you blend in and communicate more effectively in Czech daily life:

• Prosím - Please / You’re welcome
• Ano / Ne - Yes / No
• Kolik to stojí? - How much does it cost?
• Mluvíte anglicky? - Do you speak English?
• Kde je toaleta? - Where is the bathroom?
• Pomozte mi, prosím. - Help me, please.
• Nerozumím. - I don’t understand.
• Můžete to zopakovat? - Can you repeat that?
• Jmenuji se… - My name is…
• Těší mě. - Nice to meet you.
• Na zdraví! - Cheers! (also used when toasting)

Knowing even a few of these will show respect and make your experience in the Czech Republic much smoother. These phrases are a great starting point and will help you feel more at ease when interacting with locals.

A Czech Grammar Snapshot

Yes, Czech grammar has cases (seven, to be exact), gendered nouns, and verb conjugations. But there's good news:

• There are no articles, so you don't need to worry about "the" or "a"
• Word order is flexible
• Verb conjugations follow regular patterns (eventually)

Learning grammar through conversation is the best strategy. Don’t try to memorize charts; use real conversations to get the hang of it.

Tips for Beginners

Starting out with a new language can feel overwhelming, but having a few tried-and-true strategies up your sleeve makes a huge difference. Czech may come with its own set of challenges, but with a bit of consistency and the right mindset, it's absolutely manageable. These tips are designed to help beginners approach Czech in a fun, practical, and sustainable way.

1. Start with sounds: Learn pronunciation before grammar.
2. Use language apps: Get daily exposure.
3. Practice speaking: Even if it's just "Dobrý den" to your mirror.
4. Listen to Czech media: Music, podcasts, and shows help.
5. Find a language partner: Match with a native Czech speaker to build confidence and practice pronunciation.

The Czech language is a linguistic gem worth uncovering. From its quirky sounds to culturally rich expressions, it offers a rewarding experience for curious learners. Whether you're saying "Ahoj" or "Na shledanou," each word opens up a new part of the Czech world.

Ready to take the leap? Start your journey with native speakers and explore the language through real conversation. Download Tandem and bring Czech to life!