Filler words. The elusive umbrella term for all sorts of mysterious sounds, phrases, and individual words that no textbook in the world could prepare you for. It feels like politicians all over the world love to indulge in this kind of endeavor, but regular mortals do so with equal vigor…and less class. Nevertheless, you should get familiar with Czech filler words even if your personal goal doesn’t involve diving into the pool of Czech politics. Regular peeps love them as well, and you might sometimes feel that they're a part of every single Czech sentence. Or that you’re in the famous show The Office (I've never heard so many "okays" in such a short span of time). My personal motto is: Instead of using this verbal "cotton fluff,"... Show more

Falling in love is always good news, whether it's with a person, a language, a new activity, or a car. I recently started learning a new language and I was very surprised when I finished a lesson called The Most Important Norwegian Phrases, yet still didn't know how to say "Hey, handsome," or "Your place or mine?" That's one of the reasons I'm excited to be writing this article. Love is awesome in any language, plus you'll likely meet interesting people while traveling or moving to another country. It’s a good idea to cover all the bases! Things like flirting or saying "I love you," in Czech might be tricky for you as a foreigner, but I’m here to help! Expressing love is just as delightful as feeling it, so I’ll be sure to clue you... Show more

Saying NO is important in many situations: No, I don't eat mussels. No, I can't help you. No, I won't marry you. It’s equally important in Czech, of course. Czech grammar is quite simple and straightforward, and negatives are no exception. If Czech negation were a guy/girl, you'd get slightly bored of them in the middle of your first date, and later you would describe them to your friend as simple, predictable, linear, and straightforward. It will take you 15 seconds to master this topic, so go ahead and make plans for tonight. I'm not going to keep you for long. Let's learn about negation in the Czech language! Just…no. Table of Contents How to Make a Statement Negative in Czech Giving a Negative Answer ... Show more

Learning a new language is kind of like losing or gaining weight: we want to see results ASAP. Even better—we want to see results now. Yesterday was too late. That, my dear friend, won't happen. Not even if you pull three all-nighters in a row in an attempt to learn 1000 new words in three days. Not even if you refuse to speak other languages and expose yourself to an ungodly amount of Czech TV and YouTube videos. So how long does it take to learn Czech? Let me put it this way: It depends on what your goal is. Duh, obvi, right? Do you want to be able to order the right food on the menu or ask about specific ingredients? (Very important if you have food allergies or an intolerance...or if you really, REALLY can't stand... Show more

Ahhh, proverbs...those charming pieces of wisdom that add a nice ring (or a pitch of pathos) to any speech or article, and make you ultimately irritated in certain situations. Like right after you failed your adventurous challenge.  However, they’re also comforting. Knowing that people in the past have gone through the same stuff we're dealing with now is encouraging. And that's exactly how we should see proverbs: as little "hellos" from our ancestors, who created them as reflections of who we are and how we see the world, life, love, success...you name it. This article about Czech proverbs and sayings will give you insight into not only the Czech language, but also the culture and mindset behind it. You might be surprised at how... Show more

Not many people know where the Czech Republic is (I don't blame them: it's a tiny country hiding between two giants, Germany and Poland), but everyone knows someone who has been to Prague. I’ve lost count of how many people who, upon learning where I come from, have shrieked in excitement: "My neighbor's nephew visited Prague! He said it was such a lovely city! We must go someday, too!" Believe it or not, Prague is just as exciting and has the same old-timey atmosphere as other, more "famous" European cities. It looks similar, and (for now) Prague travel is more affordable than travel in many other European cities. That's why it's a loved and popular destination not only among tourists, but also among many movie-makers.  Are you... Show more

Czenglish. Have you ever heard this term? It's been a hot topic lately, mostly due to the vigorous power of the internet and social media. Nowadays, everybody loves YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and…influencers! Although you won't find a lot of similarities between Czech and English (with the exception of words derived from Latin), English is seeping into the Czech language more and more.  By the way, the phenomenon of English words used in Czech is not as new as it might seem! I was watching a Czech comedy from 1938 a couple of days ago, and one of the first scenes is a perfect example of Czenglish used in real life: Já changuju subject? Ty changuješ subject! ("I am changing the subject? You are changing the subject!"). We like using... Show more

When I was a little girl, I used to spend a lot of time with my grandma. That wonderful lady, like all grandmothers around the world, was an endless source of what (back then) sounded like weird little poems that didn't rhyme. And, of course, they made very little sense to me. You might feel the same way when you look at a Czech sentence that is (seemingly) just a series of random words. That's why you should keep on reading this article. In this list of Czech quotes with translations in English, you’ll find words of wit and wisdom on a variety of topics. From Czech love quotes to proverbs about life, our top picks will give you a little peek into the intriguing Czech culture and mindset. And this, in turn, will enhance your... Show more

We all know life isn't just work; relationships matter and love conquers all. However, your career is one of the most important parts of your life (and it also takes up a big chunk of your time on Earth).  That's why it's beneficial to find a career that fulfills you and makes you feel accomplished…or at least pays well and doesn't kill you on the inside. And, of course, you might want or need to start a career in another country. If you want to get a job or start your own business in the Czech Republic (yay!), you should work on learning some common Czech business phrases and vocabulary. Every successful entrepreneur will tell you that your language gives away a lot about your personality and approach, and by choosing the right... Show more

You know, there are certain situations in life where it’s acceptable to just grab your stuff and leave without announcing your departure to the entire room. However, most of the time, it's nice to be polite and exchange pleasantries!  Besides, I'm sure that you want to make a good impression. You want people to remember you. You want to have friends and an awesome career, fall in love, and live in a house with a red roof...and how would you achieve that without the persuasive influence of your social graces?  Saying goodbye in Czech is today’s topic. By the end of this article, you'll be ready to say bye in Czech to your boss, a cashier in your favorite supermarket, someone you just met, someone you definitely want to see again,... Show more