Meaning
Asking for identification of an object.
Cultural Background
Czechs often use 'Co je to?' as a rhetorical device to express that something is of poor quality. If a Czech person looks at a badly cooked meal and says 'Co je to?', they aren't asking for the ingredients; they are complaining. In Slovak, the phrase is 'Čo je to?'. Because the languages are mutually intelligible, using the Czech version in Slovakia will be perfectly understood, though the 'Č' sound is slightly different. In Czech academic circles, 'Co je to...' is used to introduce formal definitions. It is the standard opening for a thesis defense or a lecture when defining a new term. Czech parents use 'Copak je to?' with a rising, melodic intonation to encourage toddlers to speak. It is a key part of early language development in Czech households.
The Pointing Rule
Always point clearly when using this phrase so the listener knows exactly which object you are referring to.
The Human Rule
Never use 'Co' for people. It is a major social faux pas in Czech culture.
Meaning
Asking for identification of an object.
The Pointing Rule
Always point clearly when using this phrase so the listener knows exactly which object you are referring to.
The Human Rule
Never use 'Co' for people. It is a major social faux pas in Czech culture.
Add 'Prosím'
Adding 'prosím' (please) at the end makes you sound much more polite and like a sophisticated learner.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the question.
Co ___ to?
'Je' is the 3rd person singular form of 'to be', which is required here.
You are pointing at a person. Which question is correct?
...
'Kdo' is used for people, 'Co' is used for things.
Match the Czech phrase with its English translation.
1. Co je to? 2. Co je tohle? 3. Co jsou to?
'Tohle' emphasizes proximity, and 'jsou' is the plural form.
Complete the dialogue at the market.
A: Prosím vás, ___ je to? B: To je česnek.
You are asking about an object (garlic), so 'co' is correct.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCo ___ to?
'Je' is the 3rd person singular form of 'to be', which is required here.
...
'Kdo' is used for people, 'Co' is used for things.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'Tohle' emphasizes proximity, and 'jsou' is the plural form.
A: Prosím vás, ___ je to? B: To je česnek.
You are asking about an object (garlic), so 'co' is correct.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly normal to use it for animals, though 'Co je to za psa?' (What kind of dog is that?) is also common.
Neither is 'better', but 'Co to je?' is more common in spoken, informal Czech, while 'Co je to?' is the standard written and neutral form.
Unlike Russian, Czech requires the verb 'to be' in the present tense. Without it, the sentence is grammatically incorrect.
Technically, you should say 'Co jsou to?', but in very casual speech, 'Co je to?' is sometimes used for a group of things.
You answer with 'To je...' followed by the name of the object. For example: 'To je stůl' (That is a table).
In Czech culture, pointing at objects to ask about them is generally acceptable, but pointing at people is considered rude.
No, for price you should use 'Kolik to stojí?' (How much does it cost?).
No, in the question 'Co je to?', 'to' remains neutral regardless of the object's gender.
'To' is general (it/that), while 'tohle' specifically means 'this' (right here).
Yes, if you are asking about a document or a product, it is perfectly professional.
Related Phrases
Kdo je to?
contrastWho is it?
Jak se to jmenuje?
similarWhat is it called?
Co se děje?
builds onWhat is happening?
Co to znamená?
similarWhat does it mean?
