Bedeutung
The most common informal greeting.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The transition from 'Dobrý deň' to 'Čau' is a major milestone in a friendship. It usually happens after someone suggests 'Poďme si tykať' (Let's use the informal 'you'). In the capital, 'Čau' is often replaced by 'Servus' among the older generation or 'Čauko' among the younger, trendier crowd. Slovaks use 'Čau' as a standard opening for YouTube vlogs or Instagram stories to create a sense of intimacy with their audience. Even in modern offices, it's safer to start with 'Dobrý deň' and wait for a colleague to use 'Čau' first.
The Double Farewell
When saying goodbye on the phone, say 'Čau, čau' quickly. It sounds more natural and warm.
The Age Gap
Even if you are 40, don't say 'Čau' to a 70-year-old neighbor unless they are a very close family friend.
Bedeutung
The most common informal greeting.
The Double Farewell
When saying goodbye on the phone, say 'Čau, čau' quickly. It sounds more natural and warm.
The Age Gap
Even if you are 40, don't say 'Čau' to a 70-year-old neighbor unless they are a very close family friend.
The Diminutive Power
Use 'Čauko' with your partner or children to sound more affectionate.
The 'Ty' Rule
If you are using 'ty' with someone, 'Čau' is always safe.
Teste dich selbst
Which greeting is appropriate for a close friend you haven't seen in a week?
Stretneš kamaráta v meste. Čo povieš?
'Čau' is the standard informal greeting for friends.
Complete the farewell with the most common informal word.
Tak ja už idem domov. ____, uvidíme sa zajtra!
'Čau' works perfectly as a farewell in this context.
Match the greeting to the person.
Match: 1. Stará mama, 2. Najlepší kamarát, 3. Policajt
You can use 'Ahoj' or 'Čau' with family/friends, but must use 'Dobrý deň' with police.
Fill in the missing word in this text message exchange.
A: '____ko, máš čas?' B: 'Čau, jasné, o piatej?'
The suffix '-ko' is added to 'Čau' to make 'Čauko'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
When to say Čau
Safe
- • Friends
- • Siblings
- • Classmates
Risky
- • Boss
- • In-laws
- • Neighbors
Never
- • Police
- • Doctors
- • Professors
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenStretneš kamaráta v meste. Čo povieš?
'Čau' is the standard informal greeting for friends.
Tak ja už idem domov. ____, uvidíme sa zajtra!
'Čau' works perfectly as a farewell in this context.
Match: 1. Stará mama, 2. Najlepší kamarát, 3. Policajt
You can use 'Ahoj' or 'Čau' with family/friends, but must use 'Dobrý deň' with police.
A: '____ko, máš čas?' B: 'Čau, jasné, o piatej?'
The suffix '-ko' is added to 'Čau' to make 'Čauko'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenIn cities and among younger people, yes. In rural areas or scouting circles, 'Ahoj' is more frequent.
Only if it's a personal email to a friend or a very casual internal work message.
In Slovak, it is always spelled 'Čau'.
Only if you have a 'tykanie' agreement. Otherwise, use 'Dobrý deň'.
No, that is just its historical etymology. No Slovak speaker associates it with slavery today.
Both, but it is slightly more common among women or when men are being playful/affectionate.
Simply 'Čau' or 'Čau, ako sa máš?'.
Yes, it is identical in Czech.
Yes, 'Čau všetci!' (Hi everyone!) is very common.
Only if used in a formal context where 'Vykanie' is expected.
It's one sound, like the 'ow' in 'now'.
Yes, but often ironically or in a very 'bubbly' social setting.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Ahoj
similarHi/Bye
Nazdar
similarHi
Servus
similarHi/Bye
Dobrý deň
contrastGood day
Maj sa
builds onTake care
Čauko-kakauko
specialized formBye-bye (silly)
