If you’re visiting the Czech Republic, learning how to say hello in Czech goes a long way. Whether you’re ordering coffee in Prague, greeting a shopkeeper in Brno, or walking into a small village pub, a simple Czech greeting immediately changes the tone of the interaction.
As a native Czech speaker, I can say this honestly: people notice (and appreciate) when you try. You don’t need perfect grammar. You just need the right greeting for the situation.
Here are 11 common ways to say hello in Czech, from polite and neutral to very casual. I’ll also explain when to use each one, because that matters just as much as the word itself.
1. Ahoj (ah-hoy)
Ahoj is the most widely used informal greeting in Czech. It’s the equivalent of “hi” or “hey” and works among friends, family, classmates, or people your age.
One useful thing to know: ahoj is also used to say goodbye. Context does the work.
Use it when:
- talking to friends
- meeting people you already know
- greeting someone casually
2. Čau (chow)
Borrowed from Italian ciao, čau is extremely common in everyday Czech, especially among younger people. It’s casual, quick, and friendly.
Like ahoj, čau can also mean goodbye.
Use it when:
- talking to friends
- casual work environments
- informal social settings
3. Čauky (chow-kee)
Čauky is a playful, affectionate version of čau. You’ll hear it between friends, couples, or when talking to children.
It sounds friendly and relaxed, but it’s very informal.
Use it when:
- joking around
- speaking to kids
- greeting close friends
4. Čus (choos)
Čus is even more casual than čau. It’s short, slangy, and used almost exclusively among close friends.
You wouldn’t use this with strangers or in public situations.
Use it when:
- greeting close friends
- texting or quick in-person greetings
5. Dobrý den (doh-bree den)
Dobrý den is the safest and most polite Czech greeting. It literally means “good day” and is used from morning until early evening.
If you’re unsure what to say, this is always correct.
Use it when:
- speaking to strangers
- entering shops or offices
- talking to older people
- formal or professional settings
6. Dobrý / Dobrej (doh-bree / doh-brey)
Dobrý is a shortened, slightly more relaxed version of dobrý den.
Dobrej is the informal spoken form.
They’re friendly but still polite.
Use it when:
- greeting someone briefly
- informal work environments
- passing someone you know
7. Zdravím (zdrah-veem)
Zdravím means “I greet you.” It sounds polite, neutral, and slightly formal without being stiff.
You’ll often hear it when someone addresses a group or starts an email.
Use it when:
- greeting multiple people
- semi-formal situations
- professional emails or meetings
8. Ahojky (ah-hoy-kee)
Ahojky is a cute, affectionate version of ahoj. It’s friendly and playful, often used with children or close friends.
Use it when:
- speaking warmly
- greeting kids
- casual, friendly situations
9. Ahojda (ah-hoy-da)
Similar to ahojky, ahojda sounds relaxed and friendly. It’s common in everyday conversation and feels slightly softer than ahoj.
Use it when:
- greeting friends
- informal social situations
10. Nazdar (naz-dar)
Nazdar has historical roots and used to be very common. Today, it’s less universal but still used in some regions and by certain age groups.
It feels friendly and slightly old-school.
Use it when:
- greeting people casually
- in sports or community settings
- you hear locals using it first
11. Nazdárek / Zdarec (naz-da-rek / zda-rets)
These are very informal variations related to nazdar and zdravím. Zdarec especially is slangy and relaxed.
Use them only with people you know well.
Use it when:
- joking around
- among friends or family
- informal environments
Which Greeting Should You Use?
- Formal situations: Dobrý den, zdravím
- Casual everyday use: ahoj, čau
- Friends & family: čauky, ahojky, ahojda
- Very informal: čus, zdarec
You might also hear regional greetings, especially in Moravia, but the ones above will cover nearly every situation.
What Actually Works in Everyday Czech
You don’t need to sound perfect. Even a simple ahoj or dobrý den is enough to break the ice and show respect. Czechs may seem reserved at first, but a familiar greeting often softens the interaction instantly. So don’t overthink it. Pick one, use it confidently, and you’ll be understood. And if someone replies with na zdraví, now you know what that means too. 🍻
