Signification
A way to wish someone good luck.
Contexte culturel
In Czech theatres, it is strictly forbidden to say 'Hodně štěstí' (Good luck) to an actor. It is considered a curse that will lead to a terrible performance. Only 'Zlom vaz' is allowed. During the 'Maturita' (final high school exams), students often wear lucky charms, but the verbal 'Zlom vaz' from teachers and parents is the most important ritual. The response 'Čert tě vem' is becoming less common among Gen Z, who often just say 'Díky'. However, using the old response is a great way to impress older Czechs. Czech hockey and football fans often use this phrase in social media comments before a big international match against rivals like Slovakia or Russia.
The Devil's Reply
If you want to sound like a native, always reply 'Čert tě vem!' with a smile.
No Legs!
Don't say 'Zlom nohu' (Break a leg). Even though it's the English equivalent, it sounds weird in Czech.
Signification
A way to wish someone good luck.
The Devil's Reply
If you want to sound like a native, always reply 'Čert tě vem!' with a smile.
No Legs!
Don't say 'Zlom nohu' (Break a leg). Even though it's the English equivalent, it sounds weird in Czech.
The Exam Ritual
In Czech schools, saying 'Zlom vaz' is almost mandatory before the teacher hands out the papers.
Teste-toi
Which form should you use when wishing luck to your TWO friends before their exam?
Ahoj kluci, ____ vaz!
Since you are addressing two people (plural), you must use the plural imperative 'Zlomte'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: Your sister is going to a job interview.
'Zlom vaz!' is the appropriate wish for a high-stakes performance like an interview.
Complete the traditional response to 'Zlom vaz!'.
A: Zlom vaz! B: ____ tě vem!
The traditional superstitious response is 'Čert tě vem!' (May the devil take you!).
Finish the dialogue naturally.
Petr: 'Zítra mám státnice (state exams).' Jana: 'Vážně? Tak to ti budu držet palce a ____!'
'Zlom vaz' is the standard idiom; 'zlom nohu' is an English-influenced mistake in Czech.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAhoj kluci, ____ vaz!
Since you are addressing two people (plural), you must use the plural imperative 'Zlomte'.
Situation: Your sister is going to a job interview.
'Zlom vaz!' is the appropriate wish for a high-stakes performance like an interview.
A: Zlom vaz! B: ____ tě vem!
The traditional superstitious response is 'Čert tě vem!' (May the devil take you!).
Petr: 'Zítra mám státnice (state exams).' Jana: 'Vážně? Tak to ti budu držet palce a ____!'
'Zlom vaz' is the standard idiom; 'zlom nohu' is an English-influenced mistake in Czech.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNot at all! It's a very friendly and supportive thing to say, provided it's not a funeral or a hospital.
Yes, if you have a reasonably good relationship. If the boss is very strict and formal, use 'Hodně štěstí'.
Nothing bad will happen! Most people today are happy with a simple 'Děkuju'.
It's just a linguistic preference that evolved in the Czech lands, likely for more dramatic effect.
Use 'Zlom' for one friend. Use 'Zlomte' for a group or someone you address formally.
Expressions liées
Držet palce
similarTo hold thumbs (fingers crossed)
Hodně štěstí
synonymMuch luck
Ať se daří
similarMay it go well
Čert tě vem
builds onMay the devil take you
