How Do the Czechs Spell Prague?

By Robert Palmer

The city of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. But have you ever wondered how the Czechs actually spell “Prague”? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Czech language and discover how they spell their beloved city.

The Czech Alphabet

Before we get into the spelling of Prague, let’s take a quick look at the Czech alphabet. The Czech language uses a modified version of the Latin alphabet, consisting of 42 letters. It includes all 26 letters found in English, plus additional characters such as ů, ě, š, č, and ž.

Spelling “Prague” in Czech

In Czech, “Prague” is spelled as “Praha”. This may seem quite different from its English counterpart but fear not! Let’s break it down further.

To start off, both versions begin with a P. However, in Czech pronunciation, it sounds closer to an English “p” followed by an “r” sound without fully pronouncing the “r”.

The next letter is r, which is followed by an a. The pronunciation remains similar to English here.

The final letter in “Praha” is a little different. In Czech, it’s written as h with a háček (ˇ), which looks like a small inverted “v” placed above the letter. This character changes the sound from a regular “h” to something closer to an English “ha”.

Spelling Tips for Non-Czech Speakers

If you are not familiar with the Czech language and want to pronounce “Praha” correctly, keep these tips in mind:

  • When you see the letter “P”, pronounce it as an English “p” sound.
  • The letter “r” is slightly rolled, but not fully pronounced like in English.
  • The letter “a” sounds just like the English letter “a”.
  • Lastly, the háček (ˇ) above the “h” gives it a soft “ha” sound.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to pronounce Prague in Czech more accurately and impress locals with your language skills!

In Conclusion

The Czech spelling of Prague is “Praha”. While it may look different from its English counterpart, understanding the pronunciation and unique characters of the Czech language can help you navigate this fascinating European city with ease.

So next time you visit Prague, remember to embrace its local charm by referring to it as “Praha”. And don’t forget to explore all the wonders this beautiful city has to offer!