Meaning
Expressing indifference.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a cornerstone of 'hospoda' (pub) culture. When ordering rounds of beer, if someone is flexible, they will always use this phrase. Czechs often value 'klid' (peace/quiet). Saying 'To je jedno' is a way to avoid unnecessary debate and maintain social 'klid'. In Slovakia, the phrase is identical ('To je jedno'), reflecting the shared linguistic and cultural history of Czechoslovakia. There is a shared 'bureaucratic indifference' in Central Europe where this phrase can sometimes be used by officials to mean 'it doesn't matter what you do, the result is the same.'
The Shrug
When saying 'To je jedno,' a slight shrug of the shoulders makes you look 100% more like a native speaker.
Don't be too indifferent
If you say 'To je jedno' too often on a date, you might seem bored. Mix it up with 'Mně se líbí oboje' (I like both).
Meaning
Expressing indifference.
The Shrug
When saying 'To je jedno,' a slight shrug of the shoulders makes you look 100% more like a native speaker.
Don't be too indifferent
If you say 'To je jedno' too often on a date, you might seem bored. Mix it up with 'Mně se líbí oboje' (I like both).
The 'Mně' factor
Adding 'Mně' at the start makes it sound more like a personal opinion and less like a cold fact.
Waiters love it
If a restaurant is busy, using this phrase to show you're not picky about your seat will get you in the waiter's good books.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'It doesn't matter.'
Chceš pizzu nebo pastu? To je ______.
'Jedno' is the neuter form required to match 'To'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I don't care' to a friend?
How do you say 'I don't care'?
The dative 'Mně' usually comes first for emphasis in this idiom.
Match the response 'To je jedno' to the correct situation.
In which situation is 'To je jedno' appropriate?
'To je jedno' is for trivial choices, not medical or life-changing ones.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Promiň, nemám drobné.' B: '________, zaplatím to.'
Here it means 'Never mind' or 'It's okay.'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Synonyms by Formality
Formal
- • Na tom nezáleží
- • Je mi to lhostejné
Neutral
- • To je jedno
- • Mně je to jedno
Informal
- • To je fuk
- • To je šumák
Practice Bank
4 exercisesChceš pizzu nebo pastu? To je ______.
'Jedno' is the neuter form required to match 'To'.
How do you say 'I don't care'?
The dative 'Mně' usually comes first for emphasis in this idiom.
In which situation is 'To je jedno' appropriate?
'To je jedno' is for trivial choices, not medical or life-changing ones.
A: 'Promiň, nemám drobné.' B: '________, zaplatím to.'
Here it means 'Never mind' or 'It's okay.'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's generally neutral. However, tone of voice matters. If said sharply, it can sound dismissive.
Yes, for small things like 'Should we have the meeting at 2 or 3?'. For big strategy points, use 'Na tom nezáleží'.
'To je fuk' is much more informal. You'd use it with friends, but maybe not with your grandmother.
Because 'To' (it/that) is a neuter pronoun, so the adjective 'one' must also be in its neuter form, 'jedno'.
Yes, 'Je to jedno' and 'To je jedno' are interchangeable, though 'To je jedno' is more common.
You can say 'To je úplně jedno' (That is completely one).
Yes, a slight shrug or a dismissive wave of the hand is very common.
Yes! If you realize what you were saying isn't important, just say 'Ále, to je jedno.'
Then you say 'Mně to není jedno' (To me it is not one).
Constantly! It's a very rhythmic phrase and fits well in pop lyrics about relationships.
Related Phrases
To je fuk
synonymIt's all the same / I don't care
Mně je to jedno
builds onIt's all the same to me
Na tom nezáleží
synonymThat doesn't matter
To vyjde nastejno
similarIt comes out the same
Je mi to putna
slangI don't give a hoot
To je šumák
slangWhatever / I don't care
