How Do You Say Please in Prague?

By Robert Palmer

In Prague, saying “please” is an important aspect of polite communication. Knowing how to say please can go a long way in making a positive impression on the locals and enhancing your overall experience in this beautiful city.

Why Saying Please Matters

Saying “please” is a common courtesy that shows respect for others and their time. It is a way of acknowledging that you appreciate their assistance or service. In Prague, where politeness is highly valued, using the appropriate phrase for “please” can make interactions more pleasant and help you establish a good rapport with locals.

Saying Please in Czech

The official language of Prague is Czech, so it’s helpful to learn the local phrase for “please.” The word for please in Czech is “prosím.” Pronounced as “pro-seem,” this word can be used in various situations to express politeness and request something politely.

Using Prosím Politely

Here are some common situations where you can use “prosím” to say please:

  • Asking for directions: When asking someone for directions, you can start your sentence with “Prosím vás” (formal) or simply “Prosím” (informal), followed by your question. For example, “Prosím vás, jak se dostanu na Staroměstské náměstí?” (Excuse me, how do I get to Old Town Square? )
  • Ordering food or drinks: When ordering at a restaurant or café, using “prosím” will make your request more polite.

    For instance, you can say “Jedno pivo prosím” (One beer, please) or “Prosím o menu” (May I have the menu, please? ).

  • Requesting assistance: If you need help or assistance, you can say “Prosím vás o pomoc” (Excuse me, could you help me?) or “Prosím vás o radu” (Excuse me, may I ask for advice? ).
  • Thanking someone: After receiving assistance or a service, it’s polite to say thank you. You can express your gratitude by saying “Děkuji” (thank you) or “Děkuji vám” (thank you very much).

Other Polite Expressions

In addition to “prosím,” there are other phrases that can enhance your politeness when communicating in Prague:

  • Pardon: To apologize for accidentally bumping into someone or to get someone’s attention politely, say “Promiňte” (formal) or “Promiň” (informal).
  • Excuse me: If you need to pass through a crowded area or want to grab someone’s attention politely, use “Omlouvám se” (excuse me).
  • Good day: When greeting someone during the day, it’s customary to say “Dobrý den.” This is a polite way of saying hello.
  • Goodbye: To bid farewell politely, say “Na shledanou.” This phrase is used as a formal way of saying goodbye.

In Summary

Saying please in Prague is an important part of polite communication. Remember to use “prosím” in various situations to express politeness and request something politely.

Additionally, familiarize yourself with other polite expressions such as “Promiňte,” “Omlouvám se,” “Dobrý den,” and “Na shledanou.” By incorporating these phrases into your interactions, you’ll find that locals appreciate your efforts and are more willing to assist you.