Learning a new language can be a fascinating and rewarding journey, and one of the most practical aspects of this journey is learning how to navigate everyday situations, such as shopping and commerce. If you’re planning to visit the Czech Republic or simply want to enhance your Czech language skills, understanding basic Czech vocabulary related to shopping and commerce is essential. This guide will introduce you to some key words and phrases that will help you shop confidently in Czech-speaking environments.
Basic Shopping Vocabulary
Let’s start with some fundamental words that you’ll frequently encounter while shopping.
- Obchod – Shop
- Supermarket – Supermarket
- Trh – Market
- Obchodní centrum – Shopping center
- Prodejna – Store
- Výloha – Shop window
- Regál – Shelf
- Pokladna – Cash register
- Prodavač (m) / Prodavačka (f) – Shop assistant
- Zákazník – Customer
Types of Shops
Czech has specific words for different types of shops, which can be very handy to know.
- Pekařství – Bakery
- Řeznictví – Butcher shop
- Zelenina a ovoce – Greengrocer
- Lékárna – Pharmacy
- Knihkupectví – Bookstore
- Obuv – Shoe shop
- Oblečení – Clothing store
- Drogerie – Drugstore
Common Shopping Phrases
Being able to use a few key phrases can make your shopping experience much smoother.
- Kolik to stojí? – How much does it cost?
- Mohu si to vyzkoušet? – Can I try it on?
- Hledám… – I am looking for…
- Máte to v jiné velikosti? – Do you have this in another size?
- Máte to v jiné barvě? – Do you have this in another color?
- Mohu zaplatit kartou? – Can I pay by card?
- Potřebuji účtenku, prosím. – I need a receipt, please.
- Je to ve slevě? – Is it on sale?
- Kde je zkušební kabina? – Where is the fitting room?
- Otevírací doba – Opening hours
Asking for Help
You might find yourself in a situation where you need assistance. Here are some helpful phrases:
- Potřebuji pomoct. – I need help.
- Můžete mi poradit? – Can you advise me?
- Kde najdu…? – Where can I find…?
- Máte…? – Do you have…?
- Kde je pokladna? – Where is the cash register?
Currency and Payment
Understanding the local currency and payment methods is crucial when shopping abroad.
- Peníze – Money
- Hotovost – Cash
- Karta – Card
- Kreditní karta – Credit card
- Debetní karta – Debit card
- Bankomat – ATM
- Směnárna – Currency exchange
Numbers and Prices
Knowing numbers in Czech will help you understand prices and quantities. Here are the numbers one to ten:
- 1 – Jedna
- 2 – Dva
- 3 – Tři
- 4 – Čtyři
- 5 – Pět
- 6 – Šest
- 7 – Sedm
- 8 – Osm
- 9 – Devět
- 10 – Deset
And here are some useful phrases related to prices:
- Kolik to stojí? – How much does it cost?
- To je drahé. – That’s expensive.
- To je levné. – That’s cheap.
- To stojí … korun. – It costs … crowns.
Shopping at a Market
Shopping at a market can be a delightful experience. Here are some phrases and words that might come in handy:
- Čerstvé – Fresh
- Domácí – Homemade
- Bio – Organic
- Kvalitní – High quality
- Stánek – Stall
- Prodavač – Vendor
- Vážit – To weigh
- Platba – Payment
- Účtenka – Receipt
Bargaining
While bargaining is not as common in Czech markets as in some other countries, it can still occur. Here are some phrases that might be useful:
- Mohu dostat slevu? – Can I get a discount?
- Je to vaše poslední cena? – Is this your final price?
- To je příliš drahé. – That’s too expensive.
Shopping for Clothes
Buying clothes requires some specific vocabulary. Here are some words and phrases to help you:
- Velikost – Size
- Barva – Color
- Střih – Cut
- Materiál – Material
- Šaty – Dress
- Kalhoty – Trousers
- Košile – Shirt
- Tričko – T-shirt
- Sukně – Skirt
- Boty – Shoes
Trying on Clothes
When trying on clothes, these phrases can be particularly useful:
- Kde je zkušební kabina? – Where is the fitting room?
- Mohu si to vyzkoušet? – Can I try it on?
- Tohle mi nesedí. – This doesn’t fit me.
- Máte větší/menší velikost? – Do you have a bigger/smaller size?
- Tohle je příliš velké/malé. – This is too big/small.
Shopping for Groceries
If you are shopping for groceries, here are some essential words and phrases:
- Chleba – Bread
- Mléko – Milk
- Máslo – Butter
- Vejce – Eggs
- Sýr – Cheese
- Maso – Meat
- Ovoce – Fruit
- Zelenina – Vegetables
- Ryby – Fish
- Pečivo – Pastry
Buying Quantities
When buying groceries, you might need to specify quantities. Here are some useful phrases:
- Kolik stojí kilo…? – How much is a kilo of…?
- Prosím půl kila… – Half a kilo of…, please.
- Prosím jedno balení… – One package of…, please.
- Prosím jeden kus… – One piece of…, please.
Returning Items
Sometimes, you might need to return an item. Here are some phrases to help you with that process:
- Chci vrátit tento produkt. – I want to return this product.
- Mám účtenku. – I have the receipt.
- Je to vadné. – It’s defective.
- Chci vrátit peníze. – I want a refund.
- Chci to vyměnit. – I want to exchange it.
Conclusion
Mastering these basic Czech words and phrases for shopping and commerce will enhance your experience and make daily transactions smoother. Whether you’re exploring local markets, shopping for clothes, or buying groceries, this vocabulary will help you communicate more effectively and navigate the shopping landscape in the Czech Republic with confidence. Happy shopping!
