Prague, the capital and largest city of the country Czech Republic, is one of Europe’s most visited cities. The cobblestones, the castle, the beer. It earns every visitor it gets.
Here is something most travel guides skip: you do not need Czech to survive in Prague. Locals know this.
Young Czechs speak English well. Hotel staff speak it fluently. Most menus have English translations.
So why learn any Czech at all?
Because in the Czech Republic, attempting the language is not about survival. It is about respect. And respect, in Czech culture, unlocks a warmth that tourists who never try simply never see.
This guide gives you every Czech phrase for tourists you actually need. It is organized by situation so you can find what you want fast.
It also gives you the cultural context that makes your phrases land correctly, not just land awkwardly.
Before You Memorize Anything: The Two Words That Define Your Entire Trip
Forget everything else for a moment. If you only memorize two things before your trip to the Czech Republic, make it these:
Dobrý den (DOH-bree den) — Good day / Hello
Na shledanou (NAH-skhleh-dah-noh) — Goodbye
These are not just vocabulary words. They are structural boundaries in Czech social life.
In the Czech Republic, saying Dobrý den when you walk into any space is a mandatory acknowledgment that you have entered someone else’s territory.
A small shop. A restaurant. A doctor’s office. A hotel lift. Even a small local bus. You say it the moment you walk in.
Na shledanou works the same way on the way out. Leaving a shop or restaurant without saying goodbye is not neutral.
Locals read it as treating the staff like invisible furniture. It is considered antisocial, not just impolite.
The contrast with English-speaking habits is sharp. In the UK or US, browsing silently and leaving quietly is giving someone space. In the Czech Republic, it is ignoring them.
The golden rule: Dobrý den at the door. Na shledanou on the way out. Every single time.
Section 1: Czech Pronunciation Basics
Czech looks intimidating. Consonant clusters like čtvrt (quarter) seem unreadable. But Czech pronunciation is actually more consistent than English. Every letter makes one sound. Stress almost always falls on the first syllable.
Learn the rules below and you can sound out almost any word you see.
Key Sounds
| Letter | Sound | Example | Notes |
| č | “ch” in church | čaj (tea) | Never hard like “k” |
| š | “sh” in shop | šunka (ham) | |
| ž | “zh” like in measure | žena (woman) | |
| ř | rolled r + zh | Dvořák | The hardest Czech sound; approximate with “rzh” |
| ch | “kh” like in loch | chléb (bread) | Not “ch” as in church |
| h | soft “h” | Ahoj | Not the hard “kh” sound |
| á, é, í, ó, ú, ý | long vowels | káva (coffee) | Hold the sound about twice as long |
The Stress Rule
Stress always falls on the first syllable in Czech. Always.
- Prosím = PRO-seem (not pro-SEEM)
- Děkuji = DYE-koo-yi (not dye-KOO-yi)
- Dobrý den = DOH-bree den
Get this one rule right and your Czech immediately sounds more natural.
Two Ways to Say Sorry (and Why They Are Different)
Czech has two separate words for apologizing and they are not interchangeable.
Promiňte (PRO-min-tye) — Use this to get someone’s attention or to ask something. “Promiňte, kde je nádraží?” means “Excuse me, where is the train station?”
Omlouvám se (OM-lou-vaam se) — Use this when you have actually done something wrong. You stepped on someone’s foot. You bumped into someone. This is the genuine apology.
Mixing them up will not cause offense. But using the right one shows real awareness.
Section 2: Greetings and Essentials
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| Good day / Hello (formal) | Dobrý den | DOH-bree den |
| Good morning | Dobré ráno | DOH-breh RAH-no |
| Good evening | Dobrý večer | DOH-bree VEH-cher |
| Good night | Dobrou noc | DOH-broh NOTS |
| Goodbye | Na shledanou | NAH-skhleh-dah-noh |
| Hi / Bye (informal only) | Ahoj / Čau | ah-HOY / chow |
| Please / You’re welcome | Prosím | PRO-seem |
| Thank you | Děkuji | DYE-koo-yi |
| Thank you (casual) | Díky | DEE-ky |
| Yes | Ano | AH-no |
| No | Ne | Neh |
| Excuse me (to get attention) | Promiňte | PRO-min-tye |
| I’m sorry (genuine apology) | Omlouvám se | OM-lou-vaam se |
| Excuse me (to pass by) | S dovolením | s doh-VOH-leh-nyeem |
| Nice to meet you | Těší mě | TYEH-shee mnye |
| Have a nice day | Hezký den | HEZ-kee den |
| Cheers! | Na zdraví! | nah ZDRAH-vee |
The Ahoj Danger Zone
Ahoj sounds friendly and easy for English speakers. Tourists love defaulting to it. This is a mistake.
Using Ahoj with a waiter, a shopkeeper, an older person, or any stranger strips away the formal distance that Czech social culture depends on.
One local described shouting Ahoj at a waiter as feeling less like a friendly greeting and more like an insult.
The rule is simple: Ahoj is only for friends, family, and children. For everyone else, Dobrý den. Every time, without exception.
Section 3: Asking for Help
Czech culture has a reputation for being cold. Locals strongly disagree with this framing. The truth is more nuanced.
Czech service workers will not give you performative warmth. They will not ask how your day is going. They will not check in on you. This is not rudeness. It is respect for your privacy and personal space.
Here is what actually works. Walk in. Say a quiet Dobrý den. Wait for them to respond. Then ask: “Mluvíte anglicky?” (Do you speak English?).
The perceived icy exterior drops immediately. Czechs are genuinely happy to help. They simply expect the greeting first.
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| Do you speak English? | Mluvíte anglicky? | MLOO-vee-te ANG-lits-kee? |
| I don’t speak Czech | Nemluvím česky | NEH-mloo-veem CHES-kee |
| I don’t understand | Nerozumím | neh-roh-ZOO-meem |
| I understand | Rozumím | roh-ZOO-meem |
| Please speak slowly | Mluvte pomaleji | MLOOV-te po-MA-le-yi |
| Can you repeat that? | Můžete to zopakovat? | MOO-zheh-te to zo-PA-ko-vat? |
| Please write it down | Můžete mi to napsat? | MOO-zheh-te mi to NAP-sat? |
| Can you help me? | Můžete mi pomoci? | MOO-zheh-te mi PO-mo-tsi? |
| I am lost | Zabloudil jsem | ZAH-blou-dil ysem |
Section 4: Directions
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| Where is…? | Kde je…? | gdeh yeh…? |
| How do I get to…? | Jak se dostanu k…? | yak se DO-sta-nu k…? |
| Left | Vlevo | VLEH-vo |
| Right | Vpravo | VPRA-vo |
| Straight ahead | Rovně | ROV-nyeh |
| Turn | Odbočte | OD-boch-te |
| Near / Far | Blízko / Daleko | BLEEZ-ko / DA-le-ko |
| Here / There | Tady / Tam | TA-dy / tam |
| At the corner | Na rohu | na ROH-hu |
| Traffic light | Semafor | SEH-ma-for |
| Is it far? | Je to daleko? | yeh to DA-le-ko? |
| How long does it take? | Jak dlouho to trvá? | yak DLOH-ho to TRVAA? |
| Can you show me on the map? | Můžete mi to ukázat na mapě? | MOO-zheh-te mi to OO-kaa-zat na MA-pyeh? |
Section 5: Transport (Tram, Metro, Bus, Taxi)
Prague’s public transport is excellent. Trams, metro, and buses run on one ticket system. Buy tickets at metro stations, ticket machines, or use the PID Lítačka app.
Tram, Metro and Bus
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| Where is the tram stop? | Kde je zastávka tramvaje? | gdeh yeh ZAS-taav-ka TRAM-va-yeh? |
| Where is the nearest metro? | Kde je nejbližší metro? | gdeh yeh NAY-bleesh-shee MET-ro? |
| Where is the bus stop? | Kde je zastávka autobusu? | gdeh yeh ZAS-taav-ka ow-TO-bu-su? |
| One ticket, please | Jednu jízdenku, prosím | YED-nu YEEZ-den-ku PRO-seem |
| Are we going the right way? | Jedeme správně? | YEH-deh-me SPRAHV-nyeh? |
| Where should I get off? | Kde mám vystoupit? | gdeh maam VIS-tou-pit? |
| Stop at the next stop please | Zastavte na příští zastávce, prosím | ZA-stav-te na PRZHEESH-tee ZAS-taav-tse PRO-seem |
| Is this seat taken? | Je tu obsazeno? | yeh too OB-sa-ze-no? |
| Ticket | Jízdenka | YEEZ-den-ka |
| Platform | Nástupiště | NAAS-too-peesh-tyeh |
| Departure | Odjezd | OD-yezd |
| Arrival | Příjezd | PRZHI-yezd |
| Delay | Zpoždění | ZPOZH-dye-nyee |
| Exit | Východ | VEE-khod |
Taxi and Rideshare
Bolt is the dominant rideshare app in Prague. Use it instead of hailing street taxis. Street taxis in tourist areas of Prague have a well-known reputation for overcharging.
Bolt shows you the price upfront.
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| Please take me to… | Jeďte mě prosím do… | YED-teh mnye PRO-seem do… |
| How much to…? | Kolik stojí jízda do…? | KO-lik STOH-yee YEEZ-da do…? |
| Please stop here | Zastavte tady, prosím | ZA-stav-te TA-dy PRO-seem |
| Can I get a receipt? | Mohu dostat účtenku? | MO-hu DO-stat OOCH-ten-ku? |
Section 6: Airport and Arrival
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| Where is baggage claim? | Kde je výdej zavazadel? | gdeh yeh VEE-dey ZA-va-za-del? |
| My luggage is lost | Moje zavazadlo se ztratilo | MO-yeh ZA-va-za-dlo se STRA-tyi-lo |
| Where is the exit? | Kde je východ? | gdeh yeh VEE-khod? |
| Where is the bus to the city center? | Kde je autobus do centra? | gdeh yeh OW-to-bus do TSEN-tra? |
| Where is the information desk? | Kde je informační přepážka? | gdeh yeh IN-for-mach-nyee PRZHE-paazh-ka? |
| Is my flight delayed? | Má můj let zpoždění? | maa mooy let ZPOZH-dye-nyee? |
| Can I charge my phone here? | Můžu si tady nabít mobil? | MOO-zhoo si TA-dy NA-beet MO-bil? |
| Where are the toilets? | Kde jsou toalety? | gdeh sou TO-a-le-ty? |
Section 7: Czech Beer Culture (This Section Needs to Exist)
The Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world.
Beer is not just a drink here. It is a cultural institution. Getting it right earns instant respect. Getting it wrong marks you as a tourist who did not do their homework.
The Beer Coaster Signal
In a traditional Czech pub (hospoda), you will find cardboard beer coasters on the table.
Here is something almost no travel guide tells you: placing the coaster in front of you is the silent signal to the server that you want a beer.
You do not wave. You do not shout. You put the coaster down and the server will come to you.
If you do not put it down, you may wait a long time and wonder why no one is coming.
The Bread Trap
Bread baskets appear on many pub and restaurant tables without being ordered.
They look like a complimentary welcome. They are not.
If you eat the bread, it will appear as a separate charge on your bill. Check with your server if you are unsure.
Paying the Right Way
When the server tells you the total, do not leave cash on the table.
State the amount you want to pay out loud, including your tip, before handing over your card or cash.
If the bill is 187 crowns and you want to tip to 200, simply say “Dvě stě” (200) as you hand over the money. The server will keep the change. This is how Czechs pay.
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| One beer, please | Jedno pivo, prosím | YED-no PEE-vo PRO-seem |
| One large beer (0.5L) | Velké pivo, prosím | VEL-ke PEE-vo PRO-seem |
| One small beer (0.3L) | Malé pivo, prosím | MA-le PEE-vo PRO-seem |
| One more beer, please | Ještě jedno pivo, prosím | YESH-tye YED-no PEE-vo PRO-seem |
| What beer do you have? | Jaké máte pivo? | YA-ke MAA-te PEE-vo? |
| A dark beer, please | Tmavé pivo, prosím | TMA-ve PEE-vo PRO-seem |
| A light beer, please | Světlé pivo, prosím | SVYET-le PEE-vo PRO-seem |
| Non-alcoholic beer | Nealkoholické pivo | neh-al-ko-HO-lits-ke PEE-vo |
| Cheers! | Na zdraví! | nah ZDRAH-vee! |
| The bill, please | Zaplatím, prosím | ZA-pla-teem PRO-seem |
3 Beer Facts Every Visitor Should Know
1. Say “Zaplatím, prosím” not “Účet, prosím.” Both mean you want to pay.
But “Zaplatím” (I will pay) sounds more natural to Czech servers. “Účet” (the bill) is understood but slightly formal.
2. The standard pour is 0.5L. If you order “jedno pivo” without specifying size, you get a half liter. If you want less, specify “malé pivo” (small beer, 0.3L).
3. Order by brand name. Czechs take beer seriously. Asking for “just any light beer” is considered a bit strange.
Say the brand: Pilsner Urquell (Plzeň), Kozel, Staropramen, Budvar, Bernard.
Section 8: Restaurant and Dining
Ordering and Table Phrases
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| A table for two, please | Stůl pro dva, prosím | STOOL pro DVA PRO-seem |
| I’d like to reserve a table | Chtěl bych rezervovat stůl | KHTYEL bikh REH-zer-vo-vat stool |
| The menu, please | Jídelní lístek, prosím | YEE-del-nyee LEES-tek PRO-seem |
| What do you recommend? | Co byste mi doporučil? | tso BIS-te mi DO-po-roo-chil? |
| I will have… | Dám si… | daam si… |
| This one, please | Toto, prosím | TO-to PRO-seem |
| It’s delicious | Je to výborné | yeh to VEE-bor-ne |
| Waiter! | Pane vrchní! | PA-neh VRKH-nyee! |
| Waitress! | Slečno! | SLECH-no! |
| Is this seat taken? | Je tu obsazeno? | yeh too OB-sa-ze-no? |
| Where is the bathroom? | Kde je záchod? | gdeh yeh ZAA-khod? |
| I will pay | Zaplatím, prosím | ZA-pla-teem PRO-seem |
| Keep the change | To je dobré | to yeh DOH-breh |
| Can I pay by card? | Mohu platit kartou? | MO-hu PLA-tit KAR-tou? |
Dietary Needs and Allergies
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| I am allergic to… | Jsem alergický/á na… | ysem a-LER-gits-kee/kaa na… |
| Gluten | Lepek | LEH-pek |
| Nuts | Ořechy | OR-zheh-khy |
| Dairy | Mléčné výrobky | MLECH-ne VEE-rob-ky |
| Milk | Mléko | MLEH-koh |
| Eggs | Vejce | VEY-tseh |
| Butter | Máslo | MAAS-loh |
| Shellfish | Korýši | KO-ree-shi |
| Without meat | Bez masa | bez MA-sa |
| Without gluten | Bez lepku | bez LEP-ku |
| Is this vegetarian? | Je to vegetariánské? | yeh to veh-geh-ta-RYAAN-ske? |
| I am vegetarian | Jsem vegetarián/vegetariánka | ysem veh-geh-tah-RYAAN / veh-geh-tah-RYAAN-kah |
| Is this vegan? | Je to veganské? | yeh to VEH-gahn-ske? |
| I am vegan | Jsem vegan/veganka | ysem VEH-gahn / VEH-gahn-kah |
| I eat lactose-free | Nejím laktózu | NEH-yeem lahk-TOH-zoo |
| I eat gluten-free | Nejím lepek | NEH-yeem LEH-pek |
| I am pescatarian | Jím ryby, ale ne maso | yeem RIH-bih AH-leh neh MAH-soh |
| Without pork | Bez vepřového | bez VEP-rzho-ve-ho |
| I don’t eat fish | Nejím ryby | NEH-yeem RI-by |
Questions to Ask at the Restaurant
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| Do you have vegetarian options? | Máte vegetariánská jídla? | MAA-teh veh-geh-tah-RYAAN-skaa YEE-dlah? |
| Do you have gluten-free options? | Máte jídla bez lepku? | MAA-teh YEE-dlah bez LEH-pkoo? |
| Do you have lactose-free options? | Máte jídla bez laktózy? | MAA-teh YEE-dlah bez lahk-TOH-zih? |
| Do you have non-alcoholic drinks? | Máte nealkoholické nápoje? | MAA-teh neh-ahl-koh-HOH-lits-keh NAA-poh-yeh? |
| Does this dish contain milk? | Obsahuje tento pokrm mléko? | OB-sah-hoo-yeh TEN-toh POH-krm MLEH-koh? |
| Does this dish contain eggs? | Obsahuje tento pokrm vejce? | OB-sah-hoo-yeh TEN-toh POH-krm VEY-tseh? |
| Does this dish contain butter? | Obsahuje tento pokrm máslo? | OB-sah-hoo-yeh TEN-toh POH-krm MAAS-loh? |
Section 9: Café Culture
Czech cafés (kavárna) are a different world from the hospoda. They are quieter, slower, and often beautiful. Prague has a rich café tradition dating back to the Austro-Hungarian era.
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| A coffee, please | Kávu, prosím | KAA-vu PRO-seem |
| A black coffee | Černou kávu | CHER-nou KAA-vu |
| A coffee with milk | Kávu s mlékem | KAA-vu s MLEH-kem |
| A cappuccino | Cappuccino | (same as English) |
| A tea, please | Čaj, prosím | chay PRO-seem |
| Hot chocolate | Horkou čokoládu | HOR-kou cho-ko-LAA-du |
| A glass of water | Sklenici vody | SKLE-nyi-tsi VO-dy |
| Iced | Ledový | LEH-do-vee |
| Less sugar | Méně cukru | MEH-nyeh TSOO-kroo |
| What is the WiFi password? | Jaké je heslo na WiFi? | YA-ke yeh HES-lo na WiFi? |
| Can I sit here? | Mohu si sednout? | MO-hu si SED-nout? |
Section 10: Accommodation
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| I have a reservation | Mám rezervaci | maam REH-zer-va-tsi |
| My name is… | Jmenuji se… | YME-noo-yi se… |
| Is breakfast included? | Je snídaně v ceně? | yeh SNEE-da-nyeh f TSE-nyeh? |
| What time is checkout? | V kolik je checkout? | f KO-lik yeh checkout? |
| Can I have a late checkout? | Mohu mít pozdní checkout? | MO-hu meet POZD-nyee checkout? |
| The room is too hot / cold | Pokoj je moc horký / studený | PO-koy yeh mots HOR-kee / STU-de-nee |
| The WiFi is not working | WiFi nefunguje | WiFi NEH-fun-goo-yeh |
| Can I have more towels? | Mohu dostat víc ručníků? | MO-hu DO-stat veets ROOCH-nyee-koo? |
| Where is the elevator? | Kde je výtah? | gdeh yeh VEE-tah? |
| I need toilet paper | Potřebuji toaletní papír | po-TRZHE-boo-yi to-a-LET-nyee PA-peer |
| Could you change the bed linen? | Mohli byste vyměnit povlečení? | MOH-li BIS-te vi-MYE-nyit POV-le-che-nyee? |
Section 11: Shopping and Markets
Prague’s Old Town and Malá Strana have excellent shopping. The Christmas markets are world-famous.
Traditional markets allow gentle bargaining. Fixed prices apply in shops.
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| How much is this? | Kolik to stojí? | KO-lik to STOH-yee? |
| It’s too expensive | Je to příliš drahé | yeh to PRZHI-leesh DRA-he |
| I’ll take it | Vezmu si to | VEZ-moo si to |
| Can I look at this? | Můžu si to prohlédnout? | MOO-zhoo si to PRO-hled-nout? |
| Can I try this on? | Mohu si to vyzkoušet? | MO-hu si to VIZ-kou-shet? |
| Do you have this in another size? | Máte to v jiné velikosti? | MAA-te to v YI-ne VE-li-kos-ti? |
| Do you have this in another color? | Máte to v jiné barvě? | MAA-te to v YI-ne BAR-vyeh? |
| Do you accept cards? | Berete karty? | BEH-re-te KAR-ty? |
| Where is the checkout? | Kde je pokladna? | gdeh yeh POK-lad-na? |
| I’m just looking | Jen se dívám | yen se DEE-vaam |
| Have a nice day | Hezký den | HEZ-kee den |
Section 12: Castles, Museums and Sightseeing
Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle complex in the world.
Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora, and dozens of other sites draw millions of visitors.
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| One adult ticket, please | Jeden lístek pro dospělého, prosím | YEH-den LEES-tek pro DOS-pye-le-ho PRO-seem |
| Two adults, one child | Dva dospělí, jedno dítě | dva DOS-pye-lee YED-no DEE-tye |
| Student ticket | Studentský lístek | stoo-DENT-skee LEES-tek |
| Senior ticket | Důchodcovský lístek | DOO-khod-tsov-skee LEES-tek |
| Is there an audio guide? | Je k dispozici audioprůvodce? | yeh k DIS-po-zi-tsi OW-dyo-PROO-vod-tse? |
| In English, please | V angličtině, prosím | v ANG-lich-tyi-nyeh PRO-seem |
| When does it open / close? | V kolik hodin otevírá / zavírá? | f KO-lik HO-dyin o-te-VEE-raa / za-VEE-raa? |
| Is photography allowed? | Je povoleno fotografovat? | yeh po-VO-le-no fo-to-GRA-fo-vat? |
| Where is the entrance? | Kde je vchod? | gdeh yeh FKHOD? |
| Where is the cloakroom? | Kde je šatna? | gdeh yeh SHAT-na? |
| Is it free? | Je to zdarma? | yeh to ZDAR-ma? |
| Is it suitable for children? | Je to vhodné pro děti? | yeh to VHOD-ne pro DYE-tyi? |
Section 13: For Women Travelers
Here are the phrases every woman traveler needs in the Czech Republic.
Pharmacy and Feminine Health
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| Where is the nearest pharmacy? | Kde je nejbližší lékárna? | gdeh yeh NAY-bleesh-shee LEH-kaar-na? |
| I need sanitary pads | Potřebuji hygienické vložky | po-TRZHE-boo-yi hy-gye-NYITS-ke VLOZH-ky |
| I need tampons | Potřebuji tampony | po-TRZHE-boo-yi TAM-po-ny |
| I need a panty liner | Potřebuji slipové vložky | po-TRZHE-boo-yi SLIP-o-ve VLOZH-ky |
| Do you have pain relief? | Máte léky proti bolesti? | MAA-te LEH-ky PRO-tyi bo-LES-tyi? |
| I have menstrual cramps | Mám menstruační bolesti | maam mens-troo-ACH-nyee bo-LES-tyi |
| I need a pregnancy test | Potřebuji těhotenský test | po-TRZHE-boo-yi TYEH-ho-ten-skee test |
| I need contraception | Potřebuji antikoncepci | po-TRZHE-boo-yi an-tyi-KON-tsep-tsi |
| Do I need a prescription? | Potřebuji recept? | po-TRZHE-boo-yi REH-tsept? |
| I need to see a female doctor | Chci vidět lékařku | KHTSI VI-dyet LEH-karzh-ku |
Safety Phrases
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| Is it safe here at night? | Je to tady bezpečné v noci? | yeh to TA-dy BEZ-pech-ne v NO-tsi? |
| Leave me alone | Nechte mě být | NEKH-te mnye beet |
| Go away | Jděte pryč | YDYE-te PRICH |
| Call the police | Zavolejte policii | za-VO-ley-te po-LI-tsyi |
| Help me | Pomozte mi | PO-moz-te mi |
| I need help | Potřebuji pomoc | po-TRZHE-boo-yi PO-mots |
Practical note: Pharmacies (lékárna) in the Czech Republic are well-stocked.
You can find most feminine hygiene products at pharmacies and in supermarkets (Albert, Billa, Tesco).
Pharmacists often speak some English in Prague.
Section 14: Emergency and Medical Phrases
Emergency numbers in the Czech Republic:
- 112 – European emergency number (police, ambulance, fire); English operators available
- 155 – Ambulance direct
- 158 – Police direct
- 150 – Fire brigade
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| Help! | Pomoc! | PO-mots! |
| Call an ambulance! | Zavolejte záchranku! | za-VO-ley-te ZAA-khran-koo! |
| Call the police! | Zavolejte policii! | za-VO-ley-te po-LI-tsyi! |
| I need a doctor | Potřebuji doktora | po-TRZHE-boo-yi DOK-to-ra |
| Where is the hospital? | Kde je nemocnice? | gdeh yeh ne-MOT-snyi-tse? |
| Where is the pharmacy? | Kde je lékárna? | gdeh yeh LEH-kaar-na? |
| I feel unwell | Není mi dobře | NEH-nyee mi DOH-brzhe |
| I have a fever | Mám horečku | maam HO-rech-koo |
| My head hurts | Bolí mě hlava | BO-lee mnye HLA-va |
| My stomach hurts | Bolí mě břicho | BO-lee mnye BRZHI-kho |
| I am allergic to penicillin | Jsem alergický na penicilin | ysem a-LER-gits-kee na pe-nyi-tsyi-LEEN |
| I’ve been robbed | Byl jsem okraden | bil ysem O-kra-den |
| I lost my passport | Ztratil jsem pas | STRA-tyil ysem pas |
| I need a police report | Potřebuji policejní zprávu | po-TRZHE-boo-yi po-li-TSAY-nyee ZPRAAH-voo |
Section 15: Numbers, Time and Days
Numbers
| Number | Czech | Pronunciation |
| 1 | jedna | YED-nah |
| 2 | dvě | DVYEH |
| 3 | tři | TRZHI |
| 4 | čtyři | CHTYH-rzhi |
| 5 | pět | PYET |
| 6 | šest | SHEST |
| 7 | sedm | SEH-dum |
| 8 | osm | OH-sum |
| 9 | devět | DEH-vyet |
| 10 | deset | DEH-set |
| 20 | dvacet | DVA-tset |
| 50 | padesát | PA-de-saat |
| 100 | sto | stoh |
| 200 | dvě stě | dvye stye |
| 1,000 | tisíc | TEE-seets |
Time
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| What time is it? | Kolik je hodin? | KO-lik yeh HO-dyin? |
| It is… o’clock | Je… hodin | yeh… HO-dyin |
| Morning / Afternoon | Ráno / Odpoledne | RAA-no / OD-po-led-ne |
| Evening | Večer | VEH-cher |
| Today / Tomorrow / Yesterday | Dnes / Zítra / Včera | dnes / ZEE-tra / VCHe-ra |
| Now / Later | Teď / Později | tedj / POZ-dye-yi |
Days of the Week
| English | Czech |
| Monday | Pondělí |
| Tuesday | Úterý |
| Wednesday | Středa |
| Thursday | Čtvrtek |
| Friday | Pátek |
| Saturday | Sobota |
| Sunday | Neděle |
Section 16: The Currency Exchange Warning
This is one of the most important practical sections in this entire guide.
Do not use exchange offices on the tourist trail in Prague.
The streets of Old Town and Wenceslas Square are lined with currency exchange booths advertising attractive rates.
Many display a “0% commission” sign in large text. The small print often hides a spread so large that you lose 15 to 20 percent of your money.
The safest way to get Czech crowns (Koruna, CZK):
- Use a bank ATM (not a standalone machine inside a tourist shop). Choose your home bank’s currency, not CZK, only if your card charges no foreign transaction fees.
- Use a Wise or Revolut card if you have one. These give near-perfect exchange rates.
- If you must exchange cash, use a reputable bank (Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, Komerční banka) rather than street booths.
Useful phrase if you need to ask:
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
| Where is the currency exchange? | Kde je směnárna? | gdeh yeh SMYE-naar-na? |
| What is the exchange rate? | Jaký je kurz? | YA-kee yeh kurz? |
| I don’t want to exchange | Nechci měnit | NEKH-tsi MYE-nyit |
Section 17: Czech Holiday Phrases to Know for Travelers
| English | Czech | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Happy New Year | Šťastný nový rok | SHTYAS-tnee NOH-vee rok |
| Merry Christmas | Veselé Vánoce | VEH-seh-leh VAH-no-tseh |
| Happy Easter | Veselé Velikonoce | VEH-seh-leh VEH-lee-ko-no-tseh |
| Happy Birthday | Všechno nejlepší | FSHEKH-no NAY-lep-shee |
| Congratulations | Gratuluju | grah-too-LOO-yoo |
| Best wishes | Přeji vám vše nejlepší | PRZHE-yee vaam fsheh NAY-lep-shee |
| Have a good holiday | Hezké svátky | HEZ-ke SVAHT-ky |
| Happy celebrations | Veselé slavnosti | VEH-seh-leh SLAV-nos-tyi |
Travel tip: Christmas in the Czech Republic is celebrated on December 24th, not the 25th. If your trip falls around this time, expect shops to close early on Christmas Eve.
Czech Christmas markets (Vánoční trhy) in Prague's Old Town Square are among the most beautiful in Europe and run through most of December.
Quick-Reference Cheat Sheet
Save this before your trip.
Survival Essentials
| Situation | Czech |
| Entering any shop or restaurant | Dobrý den |
| Leaving any shop or restaurant | Na shledanou |
| Thank you | Děkuji |
| Please | Prosím |
| Yes / No | Ano / Ne |
| I don’t understand | Nerozumím |
| Do you speak English? | Mluvíte anglicky? |
| Help! | Pomoc! |
Food and Drink
| Situation | Czech |
| One beer please | Jedno pivo, prosím |
| Large / Small beer | Velké / Malé pivo |
| One more please | Ještě jedno, prosím |
| Cheers! | Na zdraví! |
| I will pay | Zaplatím, prosím |
| Keep the change | To je dobré |
| Menu please | Jídelní lístek, prosím |
| Without meat | Bez masa |
| I am allergic to… | Jsem alergický/á na… |
Getting Around
| Situation | Czech |
| Where is…? | Kde je…? |
| Tram stop | Zastávka tramvaje |
| Metro | Metro |
| Ticket | Jízdenka |
| Where should I get off? | Kde mám vystoupit? |
| I am lost | Zabloudil jsem |
Hotel
| Situation | Czech |
| I have a reservation | Mám rezervaci |
| Is breakfast included? | Je snídaně v ceně? |
| WiFi password? | Heslo na WiFi? |
| More towels please | Víc ručníků, prosím |
Women Travelers
| Situation | Czech |
| Where is the pharmacy? | Kde je lékárna? |
| I need sanitary pads | Potřebuji hygienické vložky |
| I need tampons | Potřebuji tampony |
| Leave me alone | Nechte mě být |
| Call the police | Zavolejte policii |
Emergencies
| Situation | Czech |
| General emergency | 112 |
| Ambulance | 155 |
| Police | 158 |
| I need a doctor | Potřebuji doktora |
| Where is the hospital? | Kde je nemocnice? |
A Final Word: The City That Rewards the Quiet Gesture
Prague does not need you to speak Czech. It has managed without you for centuries and will continue to do so.
But here is what happens when you try.
You walk into a small bakery in Žižkov. You say Dobrý den. The woman behind the counter looks up, registers what just happened, and her expression shifts.
Not dramatically. Czechs are not dramatic. Just a small softening.
That is the reward. Not a flood of warmth. A quiet acknowledgment that you see her as a person in her own space, not a backdrop to your holiday.
That is what these phrases are for. Not survival. Respect.
Hezký pobyt! — Have a great stay! ❤️❤️❤️
FAQ: Czech Phrases for Tourists
1. What are the most important Czech phrases for tourists?
The two most important phrases are Dobrý den (good day) and Na shledanou (goodbye).
Say Dobrý den every time you enter a shop, café, restaurant, or any small space.
Say Na shledanou every time you leave.
These two phrases carry more social weight in the Czech Republic than any other vocabulary you could learn.
2. Is it hard to learn Czech pronunciation?
It looks harder than it is. The key rules are: stress always falls on the first syllable, long vowels (marked with an accent) are held about twice as long, and special letters like č (ch), š (sh), and ž (zh) each have one consistent sound.
The only genuinely difficult sound is ř, which is a rolled r combined with a zh sound. Approximate it as “rzh” and Czechs will understand you.
3. Do Czechs speak English?
In Prague, yes. Young people and service staff in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas generally speak English well.
Outside of Prague, and with older generations, English becomes less common. German is sometimes useful with older Czechs.
Either way, opening with Dobrý den before switching to English makes a significant difference to how you are received.
4. Why is Czech service sometimes perceived as cold?
Czech culture values privacy, personal space, and boundaries. Service workers will not offer performative warmth or check in on you repeatedly. This is not rudeness; it is respect.
The way to change this dynamic is simple. Open with a quiet Dobrý den, wait for a response, then ask Mluvíte anglicky? Locals are genuinely happy to help.
They simply expect the greeting first.
5. What should I know about Czech beer culture?
Three things.
First, placing a beer coaster in front of you at a traditional pub is the signal that you want a beer.
Second, bread on the table is usually not free; eating it will add a charge to your bill.
Third, order beer by brand name (Pilsner Urquell, Kozel, Staropramen, Budvar). The standard pour is 0.5L; say “malé pivo” if you want a smaller 0.3L glass.
6. Is it safe to use currency exchange booths in Prague?
Most street exchange booths in tourist areas are legal but use unfavorable rates. Avoid them.
Use a bank ATM or a fee-free travel card like Wise or Revolut.
If you must exchange cash, go to a bank branch rather than a street booth.
7. What are useful Czech phrases for women travelers?
The most practical: Potřebuji hygienické vložky (I need sanitary pads), Potřebuji tampony (I need tampons), Kde je lékárna? (Where is the pharmacy?), and Nechte mě být (Leave me alone).
Pharmacies in Prague are well-stocked and easy to find; look for the green cross sign.