Basic Words

1. Ano

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Ne

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Prosím

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

4. Děkuji

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

5. Promiňte

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

6. Omlouvám se

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. To je v pořádku

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

8. Nerozumím

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

9. Rozumím

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Hotovo

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

11. Počkejte, prosím

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    "Počkejte" is the polite plural imperative for strangers; "Počkej" is informal.

12. Momentíček

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Jeden dospělý, prosím

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. Nemám rezervaci

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

15. Mám rezervaci

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Pomozte mi, prosím

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

17. Ještě jednou, prosím

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Mluvte pomaleji, prosím

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Mluvím trochu

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

20. Mluvíte anglicky?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

21. Tohle

    This (one here)

    Usage

    Point at something within reach; "Tohle, prosím" means "this one, please" when pointing at a menu item or product

    Grammar Note

    The neuter form; masculine "tenhle", feminine "tahle". The written form is "toto"

22. Tamto

    That (one over there)

    Usage

    Points at something out of reach. Czech deixis has only two degrees — near ("tohle") and far ("tamto") — so it does not separate Japanese "sore" from "are"

    Grammar Note

    The neuter form; masculine "tamten", feminine "tamta"

23. Tady

    Here

    Usage

    Marks where you are; "I'll get off here" is "Tady vystoupím". The written form is "zde"

24. Tam

    There

    Usage

    Marks a place away from you; "I want to go there" is "Chci tam jít"

25. Tamhle

    Over there

    Usage

    Used when you can actually see and point at the spot; more emphatically "over there" than plain "tam"

26. Já

    I / me

    Usage

    Refers to yourself; "that's me" is "To jsem já". Czech verbs mark the person, so the pronoun is dropped except for emphasis

27. Vy

    You (polite)

    Usage

    The polite "you" for strangers and staff; "ty" is the familiar form, but "vy" is the safe choice while travelling

28. Spolu

    Together

    Usage

    Shows you are with someone; "let's go together" is "Pojďme spolu". For paying as one bill, use "dohromady" instead

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