Are Praha and Prague the Same?
If you’re planning a trip to the Czech Republic, you may have noticed that some sources refer to the capital city as Praha, while others use the name Prague. This can be confusing for travelers who are trying to book flights, accommodations, or plan their itinerary. In this article, we’ll explore whether Praha and Prague are the same and why there are two different names.
What’s in a name?
To understand the difference between Praha and Prague, we need to look at their origins. Praha is the Czech name for the city that has been used for centuries.
It’s believed to come from an old Slavic word “prah” which means threshold or ford. The name refers to a shallow part of the Vltava River that flows through the city center.
Prague, on the other hand, is the English name for Praha. It’s derived from the German name “Prag,” which was commonly used during periods of German influence in Central Europe. The name was adopted by English speakers during medieval times and has stuck ever since.
Why are there two names?
The reason for using different names in different languages is not unique to Prague alone. Many cities around the world have multiple names depending on their language of origin or historical influences.
For example, Germany’s capital city is called Berlin in English but Berliner in German. Similarly, Russia’s largest city is known as Moscow in English but Moskva in Russian.
In some cases, one name may be more commonly used than another depending on where you are in the world. For example, if you’re speaking with locals in Prague or reading a Czech guidebook, you’ll likely see Praha rather than Prague.
- Fun fact: The use of multiple names isn’t just limited to cities; even countries can have different names. For instance, the Czech Republic is also known as Czechia.
Which name should you use?
If you’re traveling to Prague, which name should you use? The short answer is that it doesn’t matter. Both Praha and Prague refer to the same city, so you can use either name interchangeably.
However, if you want to blend in with the locals and show some cultural sensitivity, using Praha may be a good idea. It shows that you’re making an effort to learn about the local language and culture.
The bottom line
In conclusion, Praha and Prague are two different names for the same city. While Praha is the Czech name and Prague is the English name, they both refer to the capital of the Czech Republic. Whether you decide to use Praha or Prague depends on personal preference and context.
When it comes down to it, what really matters is experiencing all that this beautiful city has to offer – from stunning architecture and delicious food to rich history and vibrant culture. So go ahead and book that trip to Praha/Prague – whichever way you choose to call it!