Czech Phrases for Tourists
You don't need fluent Czech to get around as a tourist. Just a few phrases, used confidently, will get you far. Here they are, grouped by where you would actually use them.
Practice These Phrases Now
Greetings & BasicsBack to top
| Czech | English |
|---|---|
| Dobrý den | Hello (formal, any time of day) |
| Ahoj | Hi / Bye (informal) |
| Prosím | Please / You're welcome |
| Děkuji | Thank you |
| Promiňte | Excuse me / Sorry |
| Ano / Ne | Yes / No |
| Nerozumím | I don't understand |
| Mluvíte anglicky? | Do you speak English? |
DirectionsBack to top
| Czech | English |
|---|---|
| Kde je...? | Where is...? |
| Jak se dostanu na...? | How do I get to...? |
| Je to daleko? | Is it far? |
| Doleva / Doprava / Rovně | Left / Right / Straight ahead |
| Zastávka | (Bus/tram) stop |
| Jízdenka | Ticket |
At a RestaurantBack to top
| Czech | English |
|---|---|
| Stůl pro dva, prosím. | A table for two, please. |
| Můžu dostat jídelní lístek? | Can I get a menu? |
| Dám si... | I'll have... |
| Účet, prosím. | The bill, please. |
| Bez masa | Without meat |
| Dobrou chuť | Enjoy your meal |
Pro tip
Opening with Dobrý den and Prosím/Děkuji liberally goes a long way! Czechs respond much better to someone who makes the effort rather than someone who just defaults to English immediately.
Frequently Asked QuestionsBack to top
Do most people in Prague speak English? In the main tourist areas, yes, especially younger staff. Outside Prague and in smaller towns, much less so.
Is it rude to not use formal Vy with strangers? Yes, as a general rule. Stick to formal address with anyone you don't know personally; see our article on formal vs. informal address.
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