Meaning
Expressing regret or disappointment.
Cultural Background
The phrase is often used with a specific 'sigh' and a shrug of the shoulders, indicating a cultural acceptance of things not going according to plan. The car brand Škoda is a source of national pride, but also puns. Foreigners often think the cars are named 'Pity', but for Czechs, the brand and the expression are mentally separate. Saying 'To je škoda' is a mandatory social reflex when someone declines an invitation. Not saying it can make you seem like you are glad they aren't coming. During the communist era, 'škoda' was often used to describe the waste of resources or the 'damage' done by bureaucracy, adding a layer of cynical realism to the word.
The 'No' Add-on
Add a small 'no' at the end ('To je škoda, no') to sound 100% more like a native speaker. It adds a touch of resigned acceptance.
Not for Apologies
If you break your friend's vase, don't say 'To je škoda'. It sounds like you're a neutral observer. Say 'To mě mrzí' or 'Promiň'.
Meaning
Expressing regret or disappointment.
The 'No' Add-on
Add a small 'no' at the end ('To je škoda, no') to sound 100% more like a native speaker. It adds a touch of resigned acceptance.
Not for Apologies
If you break your friend's vase, don't say 'To je škoda'. It sounds like you're a neutral observer. Say 'To mě mrzí' or 'Promiň'.
The Škoda Car Joke
Be prepared for Czechs to make jokes if you mention the car brand and the phrase in the same sentence. It's the ultimate 'dad joke' in Czechia.
Test Yourself
Choose the most natural response to the following news: 'Nemůžu jít dneska do hospody, musím pracovat.'
Response:
'To je škoda' is the standard way to express regret about a friend's cancelled plans.
Complete the sentence to say 'It's a pity that it's raining.'
Je ______, že prší.
In this construction, we use the nominative form 'škoda'.
Match the situation with the correct phrase.
1. You drop your phone and the screen breaks. 2. You hear your friend's cat died. 3. You find out the cake you wanted is sold out.
Serious tragedies (2) need 'To je mi líto'. Minor disappointment (3) is 'To je škoda'. Personal frustration (1) often gets a stronger slang reaction like 'To je v háji'.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Půjdeme zítra na ten výlet?' B: 'Bohužel, hlásí bouřky.' A: 'Aha, ______.'
The speaker is disappointed that the trip is cancelled due to weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'To je škoda'
Social
- • Friend can't come
- • Party is over
- • Missed call
Daily Life
- • Rainy weather
- • Sold out bread
- • Cold coffee
Travel
- • Missed bus
- • Museum closed
- • Lost umbrella
Practice Bank
4 exercisesResponse:
'To je škoda' is the standard way to express regret about a friend's cancelled plans.
Je ______, že prší.
In this construction, we use the nominative form 'škoda'.
1. You drop your phone and the screen breaks. 2. You hear your friend's cat died. 3. You find out the cake you wanted is sold out.
Serious tragedies (2) need 'To je mi líto'. Minor disappointment (3) is 'To je škoda'. Personal frustration (1) often gets a stronger slang reaction like 'To je v háji'.
A: 'Půjdeme zítra na ten výlet?' B: 'Bohužel, hlásí bouřky.' A: 'Aha, ______.'
The speaker is disappointed that the trip is cancelled due to weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in almost any setting, from a business meeting to a pub.
Yes, just saying 'Škoda' is very common and slightly more informal.
'Škoda' is for disappointment/pity; 'lítost' is for deep sorrow or regret.
Use 'To je škoda peněz'.
The 'ale' adds emphasis, making it 'What a real pity!'
Yes, 'škoda' literally means 'damage' or 'harm'.
No, that would be considered very rude. Use 'Upřímnou soustrast' or 'To je mi moc líto'.
Yes, 'To je v háji' or 'To je pech' are common informal alternatives.
As a noun meaning 'damages', yes (škody). As an exclamation, no.
It's exactly like the English 'sh' in 'shop'.
Related Phrases
To je mi líto
similarI'm sorry / I feel bad about it
Bohužel
similarUnfortunately
Škoda slov
specialized formA waste of words
To je pech
informalThat's bad luck
Věčná škoda
builds onAn eternal pity
