Meaning
Said when clinking glasses or after sneezing.
Cultural Background
The 'seven years of bad sex' superstition for not making eye contact is widely cited, even if jokingly, by people of all ages. In wine-growing regions of Moravia, toasting is even more frequent and often involves singing traditional folk songs. It is common to tap the glass on the table after clinking but before drinking. This is called 'uzemnit' (to ground) the drink. Slovaks use the exact same phrase 'Na zdravie!', reflecting the shared history of the two nations.
The Eye Contact Rule
If you are in a large group, don't rush. It's better to take your time and make eye contact with everyone individually than to clink blindly.
No Water Toasts
Some older Czechs believe toasting with water or an empty glass is bad luck. Stick to beer, wine, or juice if possible.
Meaning
Said when clinking glasses or after sneezing.
The Eye Contact Rule
If you are in a large group, don't rush. It's better to take your time and make eye contact with everyone individually than to clink blindly.
No Water Toasts
Some older Czechs believe toasting with water or an empty glass is bad luck. Stick to beer, wine, or juice if possible.
The Sneeze Response
If you sneeze and someone says 'Na zdraví', the polite response is 'Děkuju' (Thank you).
Diminutives
Use 'Na zdravíčko' with children or when drinking small shots of spirits like Slivovice.
Test Yourself
What should you do while saying 'Na zdraví!' at a pub?
Choose the correct cultural action:
Eye contact is a mandatory part of the Czech toasting ritual.
Complete the dialogue after a sneeze.
Petr: Hepčík! Jana: ________!
'Na zdraví' is the standard response to a sneeze.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Na vaše zdraví, pane prezidente. 2. Na zdravíčko, babi! 3. Na zdraví! (clink)
The form changes based on the level of formality and affection.
Finish the pub dialogue.
Číšník: Tady je vaše pivo. Vy: Děkuji. (to your friend) ________!
You toast when the drinks arrive.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Na zdraví!'
Drinking
- • Pubs
- • Parties
- • Weddings
- • Toasts
Sneezing
- • Office
- • Home
- • Public Transport
- • Library
Practice Bank
4 exercisesChoose the correct cultural action:
Eye contact is a mandatory part of the Czech toasting ritual.
Petr: Hepčík! Jana: ________!
'Na zdraví' is the standard response to a sneeze.
1. Na vaše zdraví, pane prezidente. 2. Na zdravíčko, babi! 3. Na zdraví! (clink)
The form changes based on the level of formality and affection.
Číšník: Tady je vaše pivo. Vy: Děkuji. (to your friend) ________!
You toast when the drinks arrive.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's only for sneezing. For a cough, ask if they are okay.
Yes, it is a neutral phrase. However, in a very formal setting, wait for the boss to initiate the toast.
You still say 'Na zdraví!'. The ritual is about the social connection, not the alcohol content.
No, usually only for the first drink of the round or when a new person joins the table.
It's a long vowel marker. It changes the meaning and grammar of the word, so don't skip it!
You can say 'Na vaše zdraví' to be more formal, but 'Na zdraví' is acceptable everywhere.
It's a pub tradition called 'grounding' the drink. It's optional but makes you look like a local!
No, use 'Dobrou chuť' for food. 'Na zdraví' is for drinks.
People might say 'Na zdraví' for each one, or 'Ještě jednou' (Once more) for the second and third.
Yes, it can be seen as dismissive or disrespectful in Czech culture.
Related Phrases
Na zdravíčko
specialized formLittle health
Ať slouží
similarMay it serve you
Dobrou chuť
similarGood appetite
Pozdrav pánbůh
specialized formGod greet you
Přípitek
builds onA toast
