Czech is a language that thrives on casual, playful slang. If you’re still saying “Dobrý den” to your mates, you’re doing it wrong. Here are 12 slang terms to help you sound less like a tourist and more like someone who actually knows what they’re doing.
1. Čauky
Čauky
[ˈt͡ʃau̯kɪ]“Hey/Hi”
The Czech equivalent of “hey” or “hi.” Casual, friendly, and way cooler than “Dobrý den.” Use it with friends, not your boss.
2. Mít koule
Mít koule
/miːt ˈkoulɛ/“To have balls (figuratively)”
Means someone is brave or has guts. As in, “He quit his job to travel? He’s got koule.”
3. V poho
V poho
/f ˈpoɦo/“All good/No problem”
The go-to phrase for “it’s fine” or “no worries.” Spilled your beer? “V poho.” Forgot your wallet? “V poho.”
4. Makačka
Makačka
/ˈmakaːtʃka/“Hard work/graft”
Slang for hard work or a tough job. If you’ve just finished a 12-hour shift, you’ve survived a makačka.
5. Fakt dobrý
Fakt dobrý
/fakt ˈdobriː/“Really good”
Not just “good,” but fakt dobrý. Use it for anything from food to music to someone’s questionable life choices.
6. Mít šmrnc
Mít šmrnc
/miːt ˈʃmrnts/“To have style/flair”
When someone’s got that extra something - whether it’s their outfit, attitude, or ability to down a pint in seconds.
7. Hustý
Hustý
[ˈɦustiː]“Cool/intense”
Versatile slang for something cool, intense, or even overwhelming. A wild party? Hustý. A spicy meal? Also hustý.
8. Mít na háku
Mít na háku
/miːt na ˈɦaːku/“To not care”
Literally “to have on a hook,” meaning you couldn’t care less. Your ex is dating someone new? Mít na háku.
9. Prča
Prča
[ˈpr̩t͡ʃa]“Nonsense/mess”
A chaotic situation or nonsense. When your plans fall apart, it’s a prča.
10. Šlofík
Šlofík
/ˈʃlofiːk/“Nap”
A quick nap, usually after lunch. Essential for surviving Czech work culture.
11. Mít kliku
Mít kliku
/miːt ˈklɪku/“To be lucky”
When luck is on your side. Found the last seat on a packed tram? Mít kliku.
12. To je jedno
To je jedno
/to jɛ ˈjɛdno/“It doesn’t matter”
The ultimate Czech shrug in phrase form. Can’t decide where to eat? “To je jedno.”
Pro tip: Slang is best learned in context. Check out The Best Czech TV Shows to Learn the Language for some authentic examples.
Now go forth and confuse some locals with your newfound slang prowess. Just don’t blame us if you accidentally call your boss “čauky” and get fired.
