Meaning
Expressing sympathy or regret.
Cultural Background
Czechs are often more reserved with 'I'm sorry' than Americans. 'To mě mrzí' is a perfect middle ground—it shows empathy without being overly dramatic. In Slovakia, the equivalent 'To ma mrzí' is used identically. The two cultures share this 'frosty' etymological root for regret. In a Czech office, saying 'To mě mrzí' about a mistake is seen as more professional than a simple 'Sorry', as it sounds more thoughtful. On Czech Facebook or Instagram, you will see 'To mě mrzí' as a comment on posts about pets dying or people being sick, often accompanied by a sad emoji.
The 'Že' Connection
Always use 'že' to connect to a reason. 'To mě mrzí, že...' is the most natural way to expand your sentence.
Don't be a robot
Intonation matters. If you say it too flatly, it can sound sarcastic. Add a little 'sadness' to your voice.
Meaning
Expressing sympathy or regret.
The 'Že' Connection
Always use 'že' to connect to a reason. 'To mě mrzí, že...' is the most natural way to expand your sentence.
Don't be a robot
Intonation matters. If you say it too flatly, it can sound sarcastic. Add a little 'sadness' to your voice.
The Power of 'Moc'
Adding 'moc' (very) makes you sound much more empathetic and native. 'To mě moc mrzí' is a very warm phrase.
Shortening
In texts, you can just write 'To mě mrzí' without the 'To' if you are in a hurry: 'Mrzí mě to.'
Test Yourself
Choose the correct response to: 'Ztratil jsem peněženku.' (I lost my wallet.)
Ztratil jsem peněženku.
'To mě mrzí' is the only appropriate response for hearing bad news.
Fill in the missing pronoun.
To ___ mrzí, že jsi nemocný.
The verb 'mrzet' requires the accusative pronoun 'mě'.
Match the situation to the best phrase.
You forgot to call your mother on her birthday.
You are expressing regret for a personal lapse.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Nemůžu jít do kina, musím pracovat. B: ______
'To mě mrzí' expresses disappointment that the friend can't come.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
To mě mrzí vs. Promiň
Practice Bank
4 exercisesZtratil jsem peněženku.
'To mě mrzí' is the only appropriate response for hearing bad news.
To ___ mrzí, že jsi nemocný.
The verb 'mrzet' requires the accusative pronoun 'mě'.
You forgot to call your mother on her birthday.
You are expressing regret for a personal lapse.
A: Nemůžu jít do kina, musím pracovat. B: ______
'To mě mrzí' expresses disappointment that the friend can't come.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, that is incorrect. You must use 'To mě mrzí'.
'Je mi to líto' is more emotional and often used for more serious situations.
Just say 'To mě mrzí'. The 'for you' is implied.
Yes, 'Mrzí mě, že jdu pozdě' is a very polite way to apologize for lateness.
Yes, it is the 3rd person singular of the verb 'mrzet'.
Change 'mě' to 'nás': 'To nás mrzí.'
It's better to say 'To mě moc mrzí' or 'Upřímnou soustrast'.
Yes, it can mean 'I regret that' (Mrzí mě, že...).
Because the verb 'mrzet' governs the accusative case, not the dative.
Yes, very common. Often used with a sad face emoji.
Technically yes, as a polite formula, but Czechs usually value sincerity.
Related Phrases
Je mi to líto.
synonymI'm sorry / I feel sorry.
To je škoda.
similarThat's a pity.
Omlouvám se.
specialized formI apologize.
Promiň.
contrastSorry / Forgive me.
Bohužel.
builds onUnfortunately.
