Travelling to Czechia? Learn dobrý den (good day), děkuji (thank you), prosím (please / you’re welcome), promiňte (excuse me), kde je…? (where is…?) and kolik to stojí? (how much does it cost?). Recognise vstup (entrance), výstup (exit), nádraží (station) and přestup (transfer). These phrases help in Prague, Brno, Český Krumlov, Olomouc and other destinations.
Czech is the official language of Czechia. English is widely understood in many tourist settings, particularly in Prague, but it is not guaranteed in every local service. A few polite phrases and the ability to identify transport signs can help travellers make clear requests and avoid common ticket mistakes.
Quick read: Start with dobrý den and děkuji. For Prague public transport, buy a valid ticket before travel and follow the current instructions about validating it. Recognise nádraží (station), kolej (track/platform) and přestup (transfer). Check current fares and ticket rules with the official transport operator because prices and procedures can change.
20 useful Czech travel phrases
| Czech | Meaning | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Dobrý den | Good day / hello | Polite greeting |
| Dobré ráno | Good morning | Morning greeting |
| Dobrý večer | Good evening | Evening greeting |
| Na shledanou | Goodbye | Polite farewell |
| Ahoj | Hi / bye | Informal greeting |
| Děkuji | Thank you | Thanks |
| Prosím | Please / you’re welcome | Polite request or response |
| Promiňte | Excuse me / sorry | Approach a stranger |
| Ano / Ne | Yes / no | Confirm or decline |
| Mluvíte anglicky? | Do you speak English? | Ask politely |
| Nerozumím | I don’t understand | Clarify |
| Můžete to zopakovat? | Can you repeat that? | Ask for repetition |
| Kde je…? | Where is…? | Ask for a place |
| Kolik to stojí? | How much does it cost? | Ask a price |
| Chtěl/a bych… | I would like… | Make a request |
| Účet, prosím | The bill, please | Restaurant |
| Toaleta | Toilet | Facilities |
| Nádraží | Station | Rail travel |
| Vstup / Výstup | Entrance / exit | Read signs |
| Pomoc! | Help! | Request assistance |
Dobrý den: start with a polite greeting
Use dobrý den when greeting someone in a shop, hotel or service setting. Děkuji means thank you, while prosím can mean please, here you are or you’re welcome depending on context. Promiňte is a polite way to get attention or apologise. The informal ahoj is better suited to casual situations.
Czech spelling includes accents and letters such as č, š, ž and ř. A written pronunciation guide in English cannot reproduce every sound. Practise with audio and show the Czech words on your phone if you are unsure how to say a place name.
Prague public transport: ticket validation matters
Prague uses metro, trams, buses and other public transport. Key words include metro, tramvaj (tram), autobus (bus), zastávka (stop), stanice (station), přestup (transfer) and jízdní řád (timetable). The words help you identify the service, but ticket validity is the crucial detail.
Prague City Tourism says passengers must hold a valid ticket before travel and that some paper tickets need to be stamped once when first used. Tickets bought through certain contactless terminals are already validated when issued. The correct process depends on the ticket type and purchase method. Read the instructions on your ticket and check the current official fare information before boarding.
- Buy the right ticket for the journey and validity period.
- Follow the validation instruction for the ticket you purchased.
- Do not stamp the same ticket again when transferring if its instructions say to validate only once.
- Keep the ticket until the journey ends in case of inspection.
- Check current fares and rules with Prague’s official transport information.
Rail travel outside Prague
For intercity journeys, nádraží means station, vlak means train, kolej means track or platform and odjezd means departure. Confirm the exact station, train number, date and destination. A town may have a main station and smaller stops; use the station shown on your booking.
For a connection, look for přestup and confirm how much time you have to reach the next train. Check the live display for delays and platform changes. Use the rail operator’s current timetable and ticket conditions rather than relying on an old screenshot.
Restaurants, hotels and prices
Use Chtěl/a bych… to say ‘I would like…’, with the form adapted to the speaker. Účet, prosím asks for the bill. Kolik to stojí? asks a price. Czechia uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro. Ask for the total and check whether the amount is per person, item or service.
If you have an allergy, explain the exact ingredient and cross-contact concern in a carefully checked Czech translation. A general request such as ‘without meat’ or ‘not spicy’ does not communicate every medical restriction. Ask the kitchen to confirm, and do not assume a dish is safe when the answer is uncertain.
A five-day Czech phrase routine
- Day 1: practise dobrý den, děkuji, prosím and promiňte.
- Day 2: save your hotel address and practise kde je…?
- Day 3: learn tramvaj, zastávka, stanice, přestup and jízdní řád.
- Day 4: check the current Prague ticket process for the ticket you plan to use.
- Day 5: practise ordering politely and asking kolik to stojí?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Czech in Prague?
No. English is often understood in visitor settings, but basic Czech phrases help with signs and everyday interactions.
What does nádraží mean?
It means station, particularly a railway station in common travel use.
Do I need to validate a Prague ticket?
Some paper tickets must be validated once; some tickets bought through contactless terminals are already validated. Follow the current instructions for the exact ticket you buy.
Does Czechia use the euro?
No. Czechia uses the Czech koruna (CZK).
Continue exploring Czechia
Read Everything About Czechia, 50 essential Czechia travel words and Prague travel vocabulary.
Official references
- VisitCzechia: travel information — language and visitor basics.
- Prague City Tourism: public transport — current ticketing and fare instructions.
- Prague Public Transit Company — service information and travel advice.
- Singapore MFA travel guidance — traveller preparation.
Language note: Czech accents and pronunciation matter; transliteration is approximate. Fares, ticket rules and services can change. Check current official transport information before travel. Editorial review: 3 November 2026.