Meaning
Polite word used for requests or responses.
Cultural Background
Saying 'prosím' when entering a small shop is expected. It's not just about the word, but acknowledging the social space. In Moravia, people might use 'Prosím pěkně' (Please nicely), which sounds more traditional and warm than the standard Prague 'Prosím'. In emails, 'Prosím' is often used to soften instructions. A sentence without it can sound like a harsh command. Older Czechs place a very high value on 'Prosím vás'. Using the informal 'Prosímtě' with an elder you don't know is a significant social faux pas.
The 'Prosím' Rule
If in doubt, just say 'Prosím'. It is almost never wrong and always makes you look better.
Intonation Matters
A flat 'Prosím' sounds like a robot. A rising 'Prosím?' is a question. A falling 'Prosím.' is a response.
Meaning
Polite word used for requests or responses.
The 'Prosím' Rule
If in doubt, just say 'Prosím'. It is almost never wrong and always makes you look better.
Intonation Matters
A flat 'Prosím' sounds like a robot. A rising 'Prosím?' is a question. A falling 'Prosím.' is a response.
Phone Etiquette
Always answer the phone with 'Prosím?'. It's the most neutral and polite way to start.
Test Yourself
Someone says 'Děkuji' to you. What is the most natural response?
Děkuji za kávu!
'Prosím' is the standard response to 'Děkuji'.
Fill in the correct form of 'prosím' for a formal situation.
______ vás, kde je tady banka?
'Prosím vás' is the formal way to address a stranger.
Match the intonation/context of 'Prosím' to its meaning.
1. Prosím? (Rising tone) | 2. Prosím. (Handing a gift) | 3. Pivo, prosím. (Ordering)
Intonation and physical context change the meaning of the word.
Complete the dialogue in a restaurant.
Waiter: Dobrý den, co si dáte? Customer: Jednu polévku, ______. Waiter: ______, tady je polévka. Customer: Děkuji. Waiter: ______.
In this context, all three blanks are filled by 'prosím'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The 4 Faces of Prosím
Request
- • Pivo, prosím.
- • Pomoc, prosím.
Response
- • Děkuji. - Prosím.
- • Díky. - Prosím.
Question
- • Prosím?
- • Prosím, ještě jednou?
Offering
- • Prosím, tady to je.
- • Prosím, račte dál.
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDěkuji za kávu!
'Prosím' is the standard response to 'Děkuji'.
______ vás, kde je tady banka?
'Prosím vás' is the formal way to address a stranger.
1. Prosím? (Rising tone) | 2. Prosím. (Handing a gift) | 3. Pivo, prosím. (Ordering)
Intonation and physical context change the meaning of the word.
Waiter: Dobrý den, co si dáte? Customer: Jednu polévku, ______. Waiter: ______, tady je polévka. Customer: Děkuji. Waiter: ______.
In this context, all three blanks are filled by 'prosím'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if you are trying to get someone's attention to ask a question. If you are trying to pass through a crowd, use 'S dovolením'.
The word itself is neutral. 'Prosím vás' is formal, and 'Prosímtě' is informal.
Because it means 'You're welcome'. It's the standard response.
Yes, especially when offering something: 'Prosím, tady je vaše místo.'
Yes, it's very common and polite. It's better than saying 'Co?' (What?), which is rude.
It's an idiom meaning 'Well, there you go!' or 'Look at that!', usually expressing surprise.
Yes, etymologically it comes from the same root as 'to pray'.
You still use 'Prosím vás', as 'vás' is the plural/formal 'you'.
Yes, very often to make requests sound more professional.
Yes, if said with a heavy, sighing tone, it can mean 'Oh, please, not again'.
Related Phrases
Děkuji
contrastThank you
Není zač
synonymDon't mention it
Promiňte
similarExcuse me / Sorry
Rádo se stalo
builds onIt was a pleasure
Prosba
specialized formA request/favor
