Sunday, January 29, 2006

The Two Most Important Phrases in Czech

So, some of you may be wondering "What the heck is this Czech Language that Zach is learning?" Well, maybe it would help to demonstrate a little bit of it for yourself so you can get a little insight on life. It's actually a pretty easy language. Once you learn the two most important phrases, which by the way can be used almost always in any context whatsoever, you will not be able to be labeled as a silly foreigner and everyone will think that you are truly a native Czech.

So, the first and arguably the most important word in the Czech language is the simplest of words: Prosim (Pro-seem). This word has a multitude of meanings, such as:
-Please (the most important, used almost at the start of every sentence)
-You're Welcome
-Excuse Me/Hey man, can I ask you a question?
-What's that?/ Dude, I totally didn't hear what you said, hit me up once more.

And the second is perhaps more colloquial, and being around Czechs only in more informal settings will you hear this, and trust me, you will hear it a lot! Along with Prosim, this phrase has many different meanings depending on the context. "Ty vole" (tee vo-lay) which translates literally to "You ox" is the second most important phrase in the Czech language. Here are some of it's meanings:
-You're an ox (not usually a good thing, but always used on the informal setting, usually between friends)
- Can be substituted for just about every curse word, yet I think maybe it's not as harsh as saying the actual curse word.
- Whoa!
- No way dude, you serious! That's crazy.
- (used when someone scares you or you are frightened by something)
- Oh gosh...
- I could really use a break
- God, why me?!

So, as you can see, the language is fairly simple. Just learn these three easy words and use them in every sentence, and your life should be pretty simple in travelling through Czech Republic. Hope things are floatin well, and feel free to get in touch soon. I always can find time to talk to you. Peace.

3 Comments:

Blogger Bethany said...

Ty vole!

12:22 PM  
Blogger Zach Barnes said...

ahh, the truth in that comment couldn't be more evident.

10:43 PM  
Blogger Matt Setter said...

jak se mas zach?

nice blog mate. I'm learning czech and am looking to head that way mid-year. what else can you tell me about the country I hear so much about?

na schledanou,

Matt

2:43 PM  

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