Traveling to Slovakia can be an exciting adventure, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. However, like any travel experience, knowing some key phrases in the local language can greatly enhance your trip. Slovak, the official language of Slovakia, is a Slavic language with its own unique charm and complexity. While many Slovaks speak English, especially in larger cities and tourist areas, making an effort to speak the local language can open doors and create more meaningful connections. This article will introduce you to essential Slovak phrases that will be invaluable during your travels.
Basic Greetings and Politeness
Politeness goes a long way in any culture, and Slovakia is no exception. Starting with the basics of greetings and polite expressions can set a positive tone for your interactions.
Hello / Hi
– Slovak: Ahoj / Dobrý deň
– Pronunciation: Ah-hoy / Doh-bree dyen
Goodbye
– Slovak: Dovidenia
– Pronunciation: Doh-vi-de-nyah
Please
– Slovak: Prosím
– Pronunciation: Proh-seem
Thank you
– Slovak: Ďakujem
– Pronunciation: Dyah-koo-yem
You’re welcome
– Slovak: Nie je za čo
– Pronunciation: Nyeh yeh zah cho
Yes
– Slovak: Áno
– Pronunciation: Ah-no
No
– Slovak: Nie
– Pronunciation: Nyeh
Excuse me / Sorry
– Slovak: Prepáčte
– Pronunciation: Preh-paht-chye
Good morning
– Slovak: Dobré ráno
– Pronunciation: Doh-breh rah-noh
Good night
– Slovak: Dobrú noc
– Pronunciation: Doh-broo nots
Common Questions and Phrases
Knowing how to ask and understand common questions can make navigating Slovakia much easier. Here are some essential phrases to help you get around and find what you need.
Do you speak English?
– Slovak: Hovoríte po anglicky?
– Pronunciation: Hoh-voh-ree-teh poh ahn-glee-tskee?
I don’t understand.
– Slovak: Nerozumiem
– Pronunciation: Neh-roh-zoo-mee-em
Where is the bathroom?
– Slovak: Kde je toaleta?
– Pronunciation: Gdeh yeh toh-ah-leh-tah?
How much does it cost?
– Slovak: Koľko to stojí?
– Pronunciation: Kohl-koh toh stoy-ee?
Can you help me?
– Slovak: Môžete mi pomôcť?
– Pronunciation: Moh-zhe-teh mee poh-moots?
I would like…
– Slovak: Chcel(a) by som…
– Pronunciation: Htsel(a) bee sohm…
I’m lost.
– Slovak: Som stratený (male) / stratená (female)
– Pronunciation: Sohm strah-teh-nee / strah-teh-nah
What time is it?
– Slovak: Koľko je hodín?
– Pronunciation: Kohl-koh yeh hoh-deen?
Numbers and Counting
Understanding numbers can be particularly useful for handling money, telling time, or understanding addresses and phone numbers. Here are the numbers from one to ten in Slovak:
1. Jeden (Pronunciation: Yeh-den)
2. Dva (Pronunciation: Dvah)
3. Tri (Pronunciation: Tree)
4. Štyri (Pronunciation: Shtih-ree)
5. Päť (Pronunciation: Pyet)
6. Šesť (Pronunciation: Shest)
7. Sedem (Pronunciation: Seh-dem)
8. Osem (Pronunciation: Oh-sem)
9. Deväť (Pronunciation: Dye-vyat)
10. Desať (Pronunciation: Deh-saht)
Dining Out
Eating out is one of the great pleasures of traveling, and Slovakia is no exception with its delicious cuisine. Here are some key phrases to help you navigate a restaurant:
I would like a table for two.
– Slovak: Chcel(a) by som stôl pre dvoch.
– Pronunciation: Htsel(a) bee sohm stohl preh dvohkh.
Can I see the menu?
– Slovak: Môžem vidieť jedálny lístok?
– Pronunciation: Moh-zhem vee-dyeht yeh-dahl-nee leeh-stohk?
What do you recommend?
– Slovak: Čo odporúčate?
– Pronunciation: Choh oht-poh-roo-chah-teh?
The bill, please.
– Slovak: Účet, prosím.
– Pronunciation: Oo-cheht, proh-seem.
Water
– Slovak: Voda
– Pronunciation: Voh-dah
Beer
– Slovak: Pivo
– Pronunciation: Pee-voh
Wine
– Slovak: Víno
– Pronunciation: Vee-noh
Delicious
– Slovak: Chutné
– Pronunciation: Hoot-neh
Shopping
Shopping for souvenirs, clothes, or local products can be a fun part of your trip. Here are some useful phrases for shopping in Slovakia:
How much is this?
– Slovak: Koľko to stojí?
– Pronunciation: Kohl-koh toh stoy-ee?
Can I try it on?
– Slovak: Môžem si to vyskúšať?
– Pronunciation: Moh-zhem see toh vees-koo-shaht?
I’m just looking.
– Slovak: Len sa pozerám.
– Pronunciation: Lehn sah poh-zeh-rahm.
Do you have this in another size?
– Slovak: Máte to v inej veľkosti?
– Pronunciation: Mah-teh toh v ee-neh veh-lyeh-kohs-tee?
Where can I find…?
– Slovak: Kde nájdem…?
– Pronunciation: Gdeh nahy-dem…?
That’s too expensive.
– Slovak: To je príliš drahé.
– Pronunciation: Toh yeh pree-leesh drah-heh.
Emergencies and Health
In case of emergencies or health issues, knowing how to communicate effectively is crucial. Here are some phrases that might help in such situations:
I need a doctor.
– Slovak: Potrebujem lekára.
– Pronunciation: Poh-treh-boo-yem leh-kah-rah.
Call the police!
– Slovak: Zavolajte políciu!
– Pronunciation: Zah-voh-lah-yeh poh-lee-tsee-oo!
I’m sick.
– Slovak: Som chorý (male) / chorá (female)
– Pronunciation: Sohm khoh-ree / khoh-rah
I need help.
– Slovak: Potrebujem pomoc.
– Pronunciation: Poh-treh-boo-yem poh-mots.
Where is the nearest hospital?
– Slovak: Kde je najbližšia nemocnica?
– Pronunciation: Gdeh yeh nyeh-blee-zhyah neh-mots-nee-tsah?
Is there a pharmacy nearby?
– Slovak: Je tu blízko lekáreň?
– Pronunciation: Yeh too blee-skoh leh-kah-rehn?
Transportation
Getting around Slovakia requires knowing some transportation-related phrases. Whether you’re taking a taxi, bus, or train, these phrases will come in handy:
Where is the train station?
– Slovak: Kde je železničná stanica?
– Pronunciation: Gdeh yeh zheh-lehz-neech-nah stah-nee-tsah?
Where can I buy a ticket?
– Slovak: Kde môžem kúpiť lístok?
– Pronunciation: Gdeh moh-zhem koo-peet leeh-stohk?
How long does it take to get to…?
– Slovak: Ako dlho to trvá do…?
– Pronunciation: Ah-koh dl-hoh toh tr-vah doh…?
I would like a ticket to…
– Slovak: Chcel(a) by som lístok do…
– Pronunciation: Htsel(a) bee sohm leeh-stohk doh…
Is this seat taken?
– Slovak: Je toto miesto obsadené?
– Pronunciation: Yeh toh-toh myeh-stoh ohb-sah-deh-neh?
Can you take me to this address?
– Slovak: Môžete ma vziať na túto adresu?
– Pronunciation: Moh-zhe-teh mah vzyaht nah too-toh ah-dreh-soo?
Accommodation
When arranging accommodation or interacting with hotel staff, these phrases can be very helpful:
I have a reservation.
– Slovak: Mám rezerváciu.
– Pronunciation: Mahm reh-zehr-vah-tsee-oo.
Do you have any rooms available?
– Slovak: Máte voľné izby?
– Pronunciation: Mah-teh vohl-neh ee-zee?
How much is a room per night?
– Slovak: Koľko stojí izba na noc?
– Pronunciation: Kohl-koh stoy-ee ee-zbah nah nots?
Can I have the key, please?
– Slovak: Môžem dostať kľúč, prosím?
– Pronunciation: Moh-zhem doh-staht kloo-ch, proh-seem?
Is breakfast included?
– Slovak: Je raňajky v cene?
– Pronunciation: Yeh rah-nah-ykee v tseh-neh?
Local Culture and Etiquette
Understanding a bit about the local culture and etiquette can make your interactions smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some tips and phrases:
Cheers! (when toasting)
– Slovak: Na zdravie!
– Pronunciation: Nah zdrah-vyeh!
Happy Birthday!
– Slovak: Všetko najlepšie k narodeninám!
– Pronunciation: Vsheht-koh ny-lehp-sheh k nah-roh-dyeh-nee-nahm!
Congratulations!
– Slovak: Blahoželám!
– Pronunciation: Blah-hoh-zheh-lahm!
I’m sorry for your loss.
– Slovak: Úprimnú sústrasť.
– Pronunciation: Oo-pree-mnoo soo-strahst.
Enjoy your meal!
– Slovak: Dobrú chuť!
– Pronunciation: Doh-broo khoot!
Conclusion
Learning a few essential Slovak phrases can significantly enhance your travel experience in Slovakia. It shows respect for the local culture and can help you navigate various situations more smoothly. While it may seem challenging at first, practicing these phrases before your trip can make a big difference. Slovaks appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language, and you may find that it leads to warmer interactions and a more enriching travel experience. Happy travels and šťastnú cestu (safe journey)!