How to Say Thank You in Czech

Thank You Does Not Change with Formality

Děkuji is correct with shop staff, a taxi driver or a stranger you stop for directions. It is polite without being formal, so it can be used everywhere.

You Will Hear Děkuju More Often Than Děkuji

Děkuji is the standard written form. In ordinary speech most Czechs say děkuju, which is the same word with a colloquial ending. Both are polite and both are understood.

Czech Puts the Stress on the First Syllable

Děkuji is said DĚ-ku-ji, with the weight at the front. This is true of every Czech word, so it also applies to prosím and dobrý den. Please check the audio.

The Usual Reply to Děkuji

The most common reply is prosím, which also means "please" and "here you are". Není zač, "there is nothing to thank for", is just as usual.

• Děkuju

  DYEH-koo-yoo

  The everyday spoken form. Just as polite, and heard more often than děkuji.

• Děkuji mockrát

  DYEH-koo-yee MOTS-kraht

  Thank you very much. Common in shops and restaurants.

• Děkuji vám

  DYEH-koo-yee VAHM

  Thank you, with the polite "you" added. A little more formal, and good for someone who has gone out of their way.

• Díky

  DEE-kee

  Thanks. Casual, and best kept for friends and people your own age.