Meaning
The ability to communicate in English.
Cultural Background
Czechs are often modest about their English. If someone says they speak 'a little', they might actually be quite fluent. In Prague, 'mluvit anglicky' is almost a requirement for service staff. You will rarely find a waiter who doesn't speak it. In smaller villages, English is less common. Learning a few Czech phrases before asking 'Mluvíte anglicky?' is highly appreciated. Many international companies in Brno and Prague use English as their primary office language, even if most employees are Czech.
The -y Rule
Almost all languages in Czech end in -y when used with 'mluvit' (německy, francouzsky, rusky).
Don't say 'angličtinu'
This is the most common mistake. Remember: Verb + Adverb.
Meaning
The ability to communicate in English.
The -y Rule
Almost all languages in Czech end in -y when used with 'mluvit' (německy, francouzsky, rusky).
Don't say 'angličtinu'
This is the most common mistake. Remember: Verb + Adverb.
Use 'trochu'
Adding 'trochu' (a little) makes you sound more humble and natural to Czech ears.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'mluvit'.
Já ______ anglicky.
The first person singular form of 'mluvit' is 'mluvím'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you ask a stranger if they speak English?
'Mluvíte' is the polite/plural form used for strangers.
Match the Czech phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are basic variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Dobrý den. B: Dobrý den. A: ______ anglicky?
The speaker is asking the other person (Vy form).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJá ______ anglicky.
The first person singular form of 'mluvit' is 'mluvím'.
How do you ask a stranger if they speak English?
'Mluvíte' is the polite/plural form used for strangers.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are basic variations of the phrase.
A: Dobrý den. B: Dobrý den. A: ______ anglicky?
The speaker is asking the other person (Vy form).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is grammatically correct but sounds like you are translating directly from English. 'Mluvím anglicky' is much more natural.
'Hovořit' is more formal and used in official contexts. 'Mluvit' is the everyday word.
No, in Czech, adverbs and adjectives derived from countries are not capitalized unless they start a sentence.
Use the adverb 'plynule': 'Mluvím plynule anglicky'.
Related Phrases
domluvit se
similarto make oneself understood
umět anglicky
similarto know English
učit se anglicky
builds onto learn English
psát anglicky
specialized formto write in English
rozumět anglicky
specialized formto understand English
