Significado
A polite way to order something or ask for something.
Contexto cultural
Slovaks place a high value on 'slušnosť' (decency). Using 'Prosím si' is a key marker of a well-bred person. Even in a fast-food joint, using this phrase will get you better service. In the capital, cafe culture is thriving. When ordering a 'Viedenská káva' (Viennese coffee), 'Prosím si' is the expected opening. In village pubs, you might hear the more direct 'Dám si' (I'll have), but as a visitor, 'Prosím si' remains the most respectful choice. When dealing with officials, 'Prosím si' is often replaced by the even more formal 'Poprosím vás o...' (I would ask you for...), but 'Prosím si' is still acceptable for simple requests.
The Feminine -u
If the word ends in -a (káva, voda, pizza), always change it to -u (kávu, vodu, pizzu). This is the #1 way to sound like a pro.
Avoid 'Chcem'
Even if you are frustrated, avoid 'Chcem' (I want). It sounds like a child demanding a toy.
Significado
A polite way to order something or ask for something.
The Feminine -u
If the word ends in -a (káva, voda, pizza), always change it to -u (kávu, vodu, pizzu). This is the #1 way to sound like a pro.
Avoid 'Chcem'
Even if you are frustrated, avoid 'Chcem' (I want). It sounds like a child demanding a toy.
The Greeting First
Always say 'Dobrý deň' before saying 'Prosím si'. It's the social lubricant of Slovakia.
The Bill
When you want to pay, just catch the waiter's eye and say 'Prosím si účet'. It's much more polite than making a writing gesture in the air.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the word in brackets (Accusative).
Prosím si jednu ______ (káva).
Feminine nouns ending in -a change to -u in the Accusative case after 'Prosím si'.
Which phrase is the most polite way to order a beer?
How do you order a beer?
'Prosím si' is the standard polite way to order in any service context.
Match the request to the correct location.
1. Prosím si lístok. 2. Prosím si menu. 3. Prosím si desať deka šunky.
You buy tickets (lístok) at stations, order menu at restaurants, and ham (šunka) at delis.
Complete the dialogue between a waiter and a customer.
Čašník: Čo si prosíte? Zákazník: ________ čaj, prosím.
The customer should mirror the waiter's use of 'prosiť' with 'Prosím si'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Prosím si vs. Chcem
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosProsím si jednu ______ (káva).
Feminine nouns ending in -a change to -u in the Accusative case after 'Prosím si'.
How do you order a beer?
'Prosím si' is the standard polite way to order in any service context.
1. Prosím si lístok. 2. Prosím si menu. 3. Prosím si desať deka šunky.
You buy tickets (lístok) at stations, order menu at restaurants, and ham (šunka) at delis.
Čašník: Čo si prosíte? Zákazník: ________ čaj, prosím.
The customer should mirror the waiter's use of 'prosiť' with 'Prosím si'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntas'Prosím' means 'Please' or 'You're welcome'. 'Prosím si' is a specific phrase meaning 'I would like (to order/have)'.
Yes, but it might sound a bit formal. With friends, you'd more likely say 'Dáš mi...?' (Will you give me...?) or 'Dám si...' (I'll have...).
'Prosím si' is for ordering. 'Prosím ťa' means 'I'm asking you' or 'Please (informal)' when asking for a favor.
Yes, the object you are asking for must be in the Accusative case.
Yes, if you are requesting a document or information, e.g., 'Prosím si zaslať faktúru' (I'd like the invoice to be sent).
People will still understand you, but it will sound slightly incomplete or like you are translating literally from English.
Not at all! It is the standard, modern, polite way to interact in service settings.
You would say 'Neprosím si' (I don't would like) or 'Nechcem'.
Usually, you'd use 'Chcel by som sa objednať' (I'd like to book an appointment), but you can say 'Prosím si strihanie' (I'd like a haircut) once you are there.
The phrase 'Prosím si' doesn't change if 'we' are ordering. You can say 'Prosíme si' (We'd like), but 'Prosím si' is often used individually.
Frases relacionadas
Dám si
similarI'll have
Chcel by som
similarI would like
Nech sa páči
contrastHere you go / Please (offering)
Môžem poprosiť?
builds onCan I ask for...?
Ďakujem
builds onThank you
