In this article, we will explore how to say goodbye in Czech, specifically in Prague. Saying goodbye is an essential part of any interaction, and it’s always nice to know a few phrases when you’re visiting a foreign country. Let’s dive into the Czech language and discover how to bid farewell.
Greetings and Farewells in Czech
Before we learn how to say goodbye, it’s important to know some basic greetings. When meeting someone in Prague, you can say “Dobrý den”, which means “Good day” or “Ahoj”, which is a more informal way of saying hello.
When it comes to farewells, there are a few different phrases you can use based on the level of formality and the time of day. Let’s take a look at some common expressions for saying goodbye in Czech:
1. Na shledanou
The most common and formal way to say goodbye in Czech is “Na shledanou”.
This phrase can be used throughout the day and is appropriate for any occasion. It’s similar to saying “Goodbye” or “Farewell” in English.
2. Nashle
For a more casual farewell, you can use “Nashle”.
This phrase is commonly used among friends or acquaintances. It’s equivalent to saying “Bye” or “See you later” in English.
3. Měj se/te hezky
If you want to wish someone well as you say goodbye, you can use the expression “Měj se/te hezky”, which means “Have a nice day” or “Take care”.
It’s a friendly and polite way to end a conversation.
Additional Expressions
Now that you know the basic ways to say goodbye in Czech, let’s explore a few additional phrases that can come in handy:
- “Sbohem” – This is a very formal and old-fashioned way to say goodbye. It’s rarely used in modern Czech but might be encountered in certain contexts.
- “Čau” – This is an informal way of saying goodbye, similar to “Bye” or “See ya” in English.
It’s commonly used among friends.
- “Na shledanou a zatím” – If you want to add the notion of “see you soon” to your farewell, this phrase is perfect. It means “Goodbye for now” or “See you later”.
Remember, when saying goodbye in Prague, it’s not just about the words you use, but also about the tone and body language. Make sure to maintain eye contact and offer a smile as you bid farewell.
Conclusion
Saying goodbye in Czech can be both formal and casual, depending on the situation and your relationship with the person you are parting from. Now that you know some common phrases for farewells in Prague, go ahead and practice them with locals during your visit.
Na shledanou!