Meaning
Standard polite response to 'Thank you'.
Cultural Background
Czechs value 'skromnost' (modesty). Saying 'Není zač' helps maintain a balanced social atmosphere where no one feels like they owe a huge debt for a small kindness. In Prague's busy cafes, 'Není zač' is often said very quickly, sometimes sounding like 'Nenzač'. It's efficient and polite. In Moravian regions, you might hear 'Prosím' or 'V pořádku' more often, but 'Není zač' remains universally understood and used. On social media (Twitter/X, Facebook), 'nz' is a common abbreviation for 'Není zač'.
The 'Safe' Choice
If you aren't sure which 'You're welcome' to use, choose 'Není zač'. It is never wrong.
Avoid 'Jste vítáni'
Never translate 'You are welcome' literally. It sounds very strange to Czechs.
Meaning
Standard polite response to 'Thank you'.
The 'Safe' Choice
If you aren't sure which 'You're welcome' to use, choose 'Není zač'. It is never wrong.
Avoid 'Jste vítáni'
Never translate 'You are welcome' literally. It sounds very strange to Czechs.
Add 'Vůbec'
Saying 'Vůbec není zač' makes you sound much more fluent and extra polite.
Test Yourself
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Děkuji za kávu! B: ________.
Není zač is the standard response to 'Děkuji'.
Which phrase is a literal translation of 'You are welcome' but sounds wrong in Czech?
Choose the incorrect Anglicism:
'Jste vítáni' is a common mistake made by English speakers.
Match the response to the situation.
Someone thanks you for a very small favor (like passing a pen).
Není zač is perfect for small, everyday favors.
Fill in the missing word in the contraction.
Není ____.
The standard idiomatic form is 'zač'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA: Děkuji za kávu! B: ________.
Není zač is the standard response to 'Děkuji'.
Choose the incorrect Anglicism:
'Jste vítáni' is a common mistake made by English speakers.
Someone thanks you for a very small favor (like passing a pen).
Není zač is perfect for small, everyday favors.
Není ____.
The standard idiomatic form is 'zač'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Není zač' specifically means 'You're welcome'. 'Prosím' is a multi-tool that can mean 'Please', 'You're welcome', 'Here you go', or 'Pardon?'.
No, 'Zač' alone doesn't mean anything. You must say the full 'Není zač'.
'Za málo' is a bit more casual. It's like saying 'No biggie' in English.
Yes, it is very common in professional emails after a 'Děkuji'.
No, the phrase is fixed and does not change based on gender.
It is a contraction of 'za' (for) and 'co' (what).
Yes, if they say 'Děkuji', you respond with 'Není zač'.
Younger people might say 'V poho' (short for 'V pohodě'), which means 'It's cool'.
It sounds exactly like the 'ch' in 'chocolate'.
Related Phrases
Prosím
similarPlease / You're welcome
Za málo
synonymFor a little / No problem
Rádo se stalo
builds onIt happened gladly / My pleasure
To nestojí za řeč
similarIt's not worth talking about
