Significado
Very common informal greeting/farewell.
Contexto cultural
The transition from 'Dobrý den' to 'Čau' is a major social step. It usually requires an older person or a woman to 'offer' the informal 'tykání'. In the unique Czech 'tramp' subculture (outdoor camping/hiking), everyone is considered equal, so 'Čau' or 'Ahoj' is used even between strangers. Younger Czechs often use 'Čus' or 'Čest' as alternatives to 'Čau' to sound more distinct or ironic. In modern Czech offices, the CEO might tell everyone to use 'Čau' to foster a creative, open environment, breaking traditional hierarchies.
The Double Farewell
Czechs often say 'Tak čau, ahoj!' when leaving. Using both makes you sound very native.
The Grandma Rule
Never say 'Čau' to a Czech grandmother unless she specifically asks you to 'tykat' her. Use 'Dobrý den'.
Significado
Very common informal greeting/farewell.
The Double Farewell
Czechs often say 'Tak čau, ahoj!' when leaving. Using both makes you sound very native.
The Grandma Rule
Never say 'Čau' to a Czech grandmother unless she specifically asks you to 'tykat' her. Use 'Dobrý den'.
First Name Basis
If you use someone's first name, 'Čau' is almost always the correct choice.
Texting
In texts, 'Čau' is often shortened to 'cc' by younger gamers, but 'Čau' is safer for learners.
Ponte a prueba
You meet your best friend at the cinema. What do you say?
Meeting a friend:
Among friends, 'Čau' is the most natural and appropriate greeting.
Complete the sentence with the correct name form (Vocative).
Čau, ____! (Petr)
When addressing someone directly, you must use the vocative case.
Match the greeting to the situation.
Situation: Leaving a formal job interview.
A job interview is a formal situation requiring 'Na shledanou'.
Fill in the missing word in this casual phone call.
A: 'Tak já už musím končit.' B: 'Jasně, tak ____!'
'Tak čau' is the standard way to end an informal phone call.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to say Čau
Safe Zone
- • Friends
- • Siblings
- • Classmates
- • Pubs
Danger Zone
- • Police
- • Doctors
- • Elderly
- • Interviews
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosMeeting a friend:
Among friends, 'Čau' is the most natural and appropriate greeting.
Čau, ____! (Petr)
When addressing someone directly, you must use the vocative case.
Situation: Leaving a formal job interview.
A job interview is a formal situation requiring 'Na shledanou'.
A: 'Tak já už musím končit.' B: 'Jasně, tak ____!'
'Tak čau' is the standard way to end an informal phone call.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
14 preguntasThey are roughly equal, but 'Čau' feels slightly more urban and modern, while 'Ahoj' is the classic informal choice.
Only if the restaurant is very casual (like a student pub) and the waiter is your age. Otherwise, use 'Dobrý den'.
There is no plural! You say 'Čau' to one person or a hundred people.
It's rare and can sound feminine or ironic. Men usually stick to 'Čau', 'Čus', or 'Čauvec'.
'Tak' acts as a filler meaning 'So'. It signals that the conversation is definitely over.
Only if you are already on a first-name basis with the colleague and the company culture is informal.
Yes, it is just as common in Slovak as it is in Czech.
That would be 'Na shledanou'.
Yes, the pronunciation is almost identical to the Italian word.
Only if you 'si tykáte' (use the informal you). If you use 'vykání', never say 'Čau'.
Mostly ironically or by people who grew up in the 90s. It's a bit dated now.
When in doubt, use 'Dobrý den'. It's never rude to be too formal, but it can be rude to be too informal.
Only to their parents or close relatives. They say 'Dobrý den' to teachers and strangers.
Yes, it's very common for both answering and hanging up with friends.
Frases relacionadas
Ahoj
synonymHi/Bye
Nazdar
similarHi
Čus
similarHi/Bye
Dobrý den
contrastGood day
Čauky
specialized formHi/Bye (cute)
