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Introducing a question.
Contexte culturel
In Czech schools, it is considered polite to say 'Mám dotaz' or 'Můžu se na něco zeptat?' before asking, rather than just blurting out the question. It shows respect for the teacher's authority. In meetings, 'Mám dotaz' is a neutral way to interject. However, using 'Měl bych dotaz' (conditional) is preferred when speaking to superiors to soften the interruption. On Czech social media (Facebook groups, Reddit), people often start a post with 'DOTAZ:' in all caps to signal they are looking for advice or information. When dealing with Czech officials (úřady), using 'Mám dotaz' is better than 'Chci vědět' (I want to know), as the latter can sound demanding or aggressive.
The 'Prosím' Buffer
Always put 'Prosím' or 'Dobrý den' before 'Mám dotaz' to sound like a native speaker.
Don't say 'Mám dotaz o...'
Native speakers rarely use 'o' with 'dotaz'. Use 'na' or 'k'.
Signification
Introducing a question.
The 'Prosím' Buffer
Always put 'Prosím' or 'Dobrý den' before 'Mám dotaz' to sound like a native speaker.
Don't say 'Mám dotaz o...'
Native speakers rarely use 'o' with 'dotaz'. Use 'na' or 'k'.
Raising Hands
In Czechia, saying 'Mám dotaz' is the verbal equivalent of raising your hand. Use it to get attention politely.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'mít'.
Dobrý den, pane profesore, ___ dotaz.
Since you are speaking for yourself ('I'), the correct form is 'mám'.
Which phrase is the most polite for a business meeting?
___ dotaz ohledně rozpočtu.
The conditional 'Měl bych' (I would have) is the most polite and professional choice.
Match the Czech phrase with its English context.
1. Mám dotaz. 2. Nemám dotaz. 3. Máme dotaz.
Matching the subject and negation correctly.
Complete the dialogue.
Student: Prosím, ___ dotaz. Učitel: Ano, ptej se.
The standard expression is 'mít dotaz'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to use 'Mám dotaz'
School
- • To the teacher
- • About homework
- • About exams
Work
- • In meetings
- • On Slack
- • To HR
Public
- • At the station
- • In a shop
- • At the doctor
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDobrý den, pane profesore, ___ dotaz.
Since you are speaking for yourself ('I'), the correct form is 'mám'.
___ dotaz ohledně rozpočtu.
The conditional 'Měl bych' (I would have) is the most polite and professional choice.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Matching the subject and negation correctly.
Student: Prosím, ___ dotaz. Učitel: Ano, ptej se.
The standard expression is 'mít dotaz'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral to formal. You can use it with your boss or a stranger, but also with a teacher.
Yes, it's very common and almost always understood the same way.
The plural is 'Mám dotazy' (I have questions).
Use 'Mám dotaz na [person in accusative]'. For example: 'Mám dotaz na Petra.'
Yes, it's a very common way to start an inquiry email.
Say 'Mám pár dotazů' (I have a few questions).
No, for 'doubt' use 'pochybnost'. 'Dotaz' is just an inquiry.
Yes, but it might sound a bit like you're starting a serious discussion.
'Dotaz' is a general inquiry; 'poptávka' is a specific business inquiry for a quote or service.
Say 'Nemám další dotazy.'
Expressions liées
mám otázku
synonymI have a question
dotazník
builds onquestionnaire
zeptat se
similarto ask
odpověď
contrastanswer
připomínka
similarcomment/remark
