Bedeutung
Polite filler or way to start a request.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The transition from 'vykání' (using Prosím vás) to 'tykání' (using Prosím tě) is a significant social milestone. It usually requires an explicit offer from the older or higher-ranking person. Slovak usage is nearly identical to Czech ('Prosím vás'), reflecting their shared linguistic and cultural history. The extreme politeness in service (using 'Prosím vás' frequently) is a remnant of the Austro-Hungarian era's formal social codes. In professional Slack or email communications, 'Prosím vás' is often used to soften requests to colleagues you don't know well, even if the company culture is generally 'informal'.
The Magic Word
If you forget every other Czech word, 'Prosím vás' + pointing will get you 90% of what you need.
Watch the 'V'
Make sure to pronounce the 'v' clearly; don't let it turn into a 'w'.
Bedeutung
Polite filler or way to start a request.
The Magic Word
If you forget every other Czech word, 'Prosím vás' + pointing will get you 90% of what you need.
Watch the 'V'
Make sure to pronounce the 'v' clearly; don't let it turn into a 'w'.
Intonation Matters
A rising intonation at the end makes it a question (Excuse me?), while a falling intonation makes it a request (Please).
Teste dich selbst
You are at a train station and want to ask a stranger where the platform is. Which phrase do you use?
________, kde je nástupiště?
Since you are talking to a stranger, the formal 'Prosím vás' is required.
Fill in the correct pronoun for a formal situation.
Můžu ____ (you - formal) poprosit o vodu?
The verb 'poprosit' takes the accusative case 'vás'.
Match the phrase to the correct social context.
1. Prosím tě... 2. Prosím vás...
'Tě' is informal (brother), 'vás' is formal (boss).
Complete the dialogue in a restaurant.
Learner: ________, zaplatím. Waiter: Jistě, dohromady nebo zvlášť?
'Prosím vás' is used here to catch the waiter's attention to pay.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgaben________, kde je nástupiště?
Since you are talking to a stranger, the formal 'Prosím vás' is required.
Můžu ____ (you - formal) poprosit o vodu?
The verb 'poprosit' takes the accusative case 'vás'.
1. Prosím tě... 2. Prosím vás...
'Tě' is informal (brother), 'vás' is formal (boss).
Learner: ________, zaplatím. Waiter: Jistě, dohromady nebo zvlášť?
'Prosím vás' is used here to catch the waiter's attention to pay.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenUsually, just 'Prosím' is used for 'You're welcome'. 'Prosím vás' is almost always for requests or getting attention.
Yes, 'Prosím' is very common and slightly less formal. 'Prosím vás' is safer for absolute strangers.
It would sound very funny and sarcastic, as if you are treating your dog like a formal gentleman!
No, in this context, it is the 'formal you' used for one person or multiple people.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Prosím
similarPlease / You're welcome
Promiňte
similarI am sorry / Excuse me
S dovolením
specialized formWith your permission
Můžu vás poprosit
builds onCan I ask you...
