Vykaní a Tykaní: A Polite Way to Address Others

Unlike English, Czech has a special polite way of addressing someone which differs from how you address acquaintances and friends.

This is similar to many other Slavic and European languages, including German, Hungarian, and Polish, for example.

Formal and informal forms of addressing a person are known in Czech as "vykaní" and "tykaní."

Find more Czech grammar articles here:

Vykaní vs. Tykaní

Vykaní & tykaní are extremely important in everyday Czech life. You can easily offend someone if you are informal when you should be formal, or vice versa!

1. Vykaní (formal you):

Example: "Dobrý den, pane. Jak se máte?" (Hello, sir. How are you?)

In Czech, "vykaní" is the formal way of addressing someone. It is typically used when addressing individuals in a position of authority, elders, or in professional settings. When meeting someone for the first time, especially in a workplace or formal setting, it's considered polite to use "Vy."

2. Tykaní (informal you):

"Tykaní" is the informal way of addressing someone and is generally used among friends, family, children or individuals of the same age or social standing. Using "ty" is a sign of familiarity and indicates a closer relationship.

Example: "Ahoj. Jak se máš?" (Hi. How are you?)

When to be Formal or Informal

At first, it can be challenging to decide whether to use formal or informal address.

However, with just a little practice you can easily avoid any really embarassing situations!

The most important rule: If you don't know them, and won't know them, be formal!

That means: shopkeepers, car repairmen, random strangers at the bus stop, post office workers, etc. should be addressed formally, if you see them rarely and wouldn't go for a beer with them.

This will save you the biggest embarassment, because people won't hesitate to correct your impoliteness quite loudly, if they are offended :)

Here's a general guide to formal and informal address in other situations:

Professional Environments

In professional and work environments, you generally use "Vy" until you are invited to switch to "ty."

When meeting someone for the first time, particularly in a business context, it is respectful to use "Vy" until a more casual relationship is established.

The Czech Republic has a relatively low power distance culture, meaning that people generally prefer equal distribution of power. However, respecting age and professional hierarchy is still vital.

The concept of "vykaní" and "tykaní" reflects the Czech Republic's moderate approach to power distance. While there is an expectation of respect for authority, there is also an underlying desire for egalitarian relationships, especially among colleagues and friends.

In most modern companies (startups, IT companies, branch offices), you can expect an even more egalitarian approach: people of all ages who work in the same or close positions often use "ty" from the very first meeting. If you hold the same position as someone, even if they are much older, they can be offended when you address them formally: "I'm not that old!"

Even in a modern company, when addressing fellow employees via email or phone, if you haven't met them in person you should use formal address.

During an interview process for a new job, you should use "Vy" unless invited to do otherwise. If you get the job you can ask to be informal with your boss on your first day, or address your coworkers informally from the first handshake.

Friends and Strangers

As mentioned before, if you're talking with a complete stranger you should use formal address.

This includes asking for a lighter at a bar, for instance, even if the other person is obviously younger.

Anyone in retail should be addressed formally, as well as people you ask for help on the street, teachers, doctors, police officers, etc.

Switching Forms of Address

If you wish to switch to informal address with someone, it's courteous to wait for an invitation or express your desire politely.

You can say, "Můžeme si tykat?" (Can we use 'ty'?)

An invitation from someone else will often come after you address them with "Vy". They will say the same: "Můžeme tykat". (We can use 'ty'.)

At that point you are welcome to address them with "ty" in your continuing relationship.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of "vykaní" and "tykaní" is essential for anyone navigating social interactions in the Czech Republic.

It's not just a linguistic nuance; it's a reflection of the cultural norms and the country's approach to interpersonal relationships. By respecting these conventions, you'll find yourself better integrated into Czech society, and you'll enjoy more meaningful connections with Czech people.

Good luck practicing vykaní a tykaní, and happy Learning!