Meaning
Asking a driver to stop the vehicle.
Cultural Background
In Slovakia, it is common to tip taxi drivers by rounding up the fare. If you say 'Zastavte tu, prosím' and the fare is 4.60€, giving 5€ and saying 'To je dobré' (That's fine) is standard. In the capital, traffic is dense. Drivers might not be able to stop exactly where you ask due to 'Zákaz zastavenia' (No stopping) signs. They will usually pull into the nearest side street. In smaller villages, bus drivers might stop between official stops if you ask very politely, though it's technically not allowed. 'Zastavte tu, prosím' is your best bet. During a presentation, using this phrase is a sign of active listening. It shows you are engaged enough to want to stop and discuss a specific point.
Be Specific
Drivers love it when you add a landmark. 'Zastavte tu pri lekárni' (Stop here by the pharmacy) is much better than just 'Zastavte tu'.
Don't shout
Slovaks appreciate a calm tone. Shouting 'ZASTAVTE!' sounds like an emergency. A calm 'Zastavte tu, prosím' is much better.
Meaning
Asking a driver to stop the vehicle.
Be Specific
Drivers love it when you add a landmark. 'Zastavte tu pri lekárni' (Stop here by the pharmacy) is much better than just 'Zastavte tu'.
Don't shout
Slovaks appreciate a calm tone. Shouting 'ZASTAVTE!' sounds like an emergency. A calm 'Zastavte tu, prosím' is much better.
The 'Prosím' Rule
Never forget 'prosím'. In Slovak, a command without 'please' sounds like a military order.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to make the phrase formal and polite.
Zastavte ____, prosím.
'Tu' means 'here', which is essential for telling the driver where to stop.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask a taxi driver to stop?
Choose the best option:
Turning the request into a question with 'Môžete' (Can you) is the height of politeness.
Complete the dialogue between a passenger and a driver.
Passenger: 'Dobrý deň. K hlavnej stanici, prosím.' ... (later) ... Passenger: '________, prosím. Tu vystúpim.'
The passenger wants to get out ('vystúpim'), so they must ask the driver to stop.
Match the phrase to the correct person you are speaking to.
1. Zastav tu, prosím. | 2. Zastavte tu, prosím.
Informal 'Zastav' is for friends; formal 'Zastavte' is for professionals.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Zastavte tu'
Transport
- • Taxi
- • Bolt
- • Private Car
Media
- • Video
- • Song
- • Presentation
Emergency
- • Police
- • Accident
- • Illness
Practice Bank
4 exercisesZastavte ____, prosím.
'Tu' means 'here', which is essential for telling the driver where to stop.
Choose the best option:
Turning the request into a question with 'Môžete' (Can you) is the height of politeness.
Passenger: 'Dobrý deň. K hlavnej stanici, prosím.' ... (later) ... Passenger: '________, prosím. Tu vystúpim.'
The passenger wants to get out ('vystúpim'), so they must ask the driver to stop.
1. Zastav tu, prosím. | 2. Zastavte tu, prosím.
Informal 'Zastav' is for friends; formal 'Zastavte' is for professionals.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in an informal or urgent setting, 'Tu!' or 'Tu, prosím!' is common, but 'Zastavte tu, prosím' is the full, polite version.
Use 'Zastav tu, prosím'. The '-te' ending is only for formal situations or groups.
Yes, it is grammatically plural, but in Slovak, we use the plural to show respect to one person (vykanie).
Only if it's a small private shuttle. Regular city buses only stop at marked 'Zastávka' signs.
'Zastavte' is the command to stop moving. 'Stojte' is the command to remain standing/still.
Change 'tu' (here) to 'tam' (there): 'Zastavte tam, prosím.'
It's better to say it about 50 meters before you want to stop so the driver has time to brake safely.
No, this is for motion. In a shop, if someone is pouring you water, say 'Stačí' (That's enough).
Say it louder: 'Prosím vás, zastavte!'
Yes, 'Hoď ma tu' (Drop me here), but it's very informal.
Related Phrases
Zastavte sa
similarStop by / Visit
Stojte
similarStand / Stay still
Pribrzdite
specialized formSlow down / Brake a bit
Vystupujem
builds onI am getting out
