Significado
Used for requests or as a response to thanks.
Contexto cultural
The 'Magic Word' (Čarovné slovíčko). Children are taught from a very young age that 'Prosím' is the key to getting what they want. It is considered a sign of good upbringing (výchova). In professional settings, 'Prosím' is often paired with 'Vás' (formal you) to create 'Prosím Vás'. This creates a respectful distance while remaining cooperative. When visiting a Slovak home, the host will use 'Prosím' to invite you in or to offer you a seat. It is part of the 'Host do domu, Boh do domu' (Guest in the house, God in the house) philosophy. On public transport, if an elderly person is standing, you might stand up and say 'Prosím' while gesturing to your seat. It is a silent but powerful act of respect.
The 'Vás' Addition
When asking a stranger for something, use 'Prosím Vás'. It sounds much more natural and polite than just 'Prosím'.
Intonation Matters
A flat 'Prosím' when you didn't hear someone can sound rude. Make sure your voice goes up at the end!
Significado
Used for requests or as a response to thanks.
The 'Vás' Addition
When asking a stranger for something, use 'Prosím Vás'. It sounds much more natural and polite than just 'Prosím'.
Intonation Matters
A flat 'Prosím' when you didn't hear someone can sound rude. Make sure your voice goes up at the end!
The Silent Prosím
Sometimes a simple nod and the word 'Prosím' is enough to accept an offer of more food or drink at a dinner party.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing word in this cafe interaction.
A: Jednu kávu, _______. B: Nech sa páči. A: Ďakujem. B: _______.
In both cases, 'prosím' is the correct word—first for the request and then as the response to thanks.
How do you answer the phone in Slovak if you don't know the number?
The phone rings. You pick up and say:
'Prosím?' is the most polite and standard way to answer the phone in Slovakia.
Match the intonation of 'Prosím' to the situation.
1. Asking for a beer. 2. You didn't hear a question. 3. Someone says 'Thank you'.
Rising tone is only used for clarification (Sense 3).
Complete the dialogue between a tourist and a local.
Tourist: _______ vás, kde je tu hrad? Local: Choďte hore touto ulicou. Tourist: Ďakujem pekne. Local: _______.
'Prosím vás' starts the request, and 'Prosím' ends the interaction after thanks.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
The 4 Faces of Prosím
Request
- • Kávu, prosím
- • Pomoc, prosím
Response
- • Ďakujem -> Prosím
Clarification
- • Prosím? (What?)
Phone/Door
- • Prosím? (Hello?)
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosA: Jednu kávu, _______. B: Nech sa páči. A: Ďakujem. B: _______.
In both cases, 'prosím' is the correct word—first for the request and then as the response to thanks.
The phone rings. You pick up and say:
'Prosím?' is the most polite and standard way to answer the phone in Slovakia.
1. Asking for a beer. 2. You didn't hear a question. 3. Someone says 'Thank you'.
Rising tone is only used for clarification (Sense 3).
Tourist: _______ vás, kde je tu hrad? Local: Choďte hore touto ulicou. Tourist: Ďakujem pekne. Local: _______.
'Prosím vás' starts the request, and 'Prosím' ends the interaction after thanks.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. It is never wrong to be polite!
Only if you are asking a question. If you are trying to pass someone, use 'S dovolením'.
'Prosím' is 'Please'. 'Prosím si' is 'I would like' (used for ordering).
You can say 'Niet za čo' or 'V pohode'.
It's a polite way of saying 'I am listening' or 'Please, go ahead and speak'.
No, use 'Pardon' or 'Prepáčte'.
Yes, very similar, except for the 'handing over' part.
Yes! 'Kávu, prosím' is very common.
It means 'Please nicely' and is a very polite, warm version of the word.
No, 'Prosím' stays the same regardless of who you are talking to.
Frases relacionadas
Ďakujem
contrastThank you
Nech sa páči
similarHere you go / Please (when giving)
Niet za čo
synonymDon't mention it
Prepáčte
similarExcuse me / Sorry
Rado sa stalo
builds onIt was a pleasure
S dovolením
contrastExcuse me (passing through)
