všechno nejlepší
[fʃɛxno nɛjlɛpʃiː]
The English phrase "best wishes" is translated into Czech as všechno nejlepší.
všechno nejlepší is used to express good luck or congratulations, particularly on a birthday or special occasion. In fact, it is the standard and most common way to say "Happy Birthday" in Czech. You can make the phrase more specific to a birthday by adding k narozeninám, forming všechno nejlepší k narozeninám, which means "all the best for your birthday".
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "everything best".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
všechno nejlepší is used in both casual and standard settings, and it is the most common way to address friends and family. For a more formal way to express "I wish you much success", you can use přeji hodně úspěchů.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Moravia, the phrase Všechno nejlepší, zdravíčko a pohody can be used to mean "All the best, good health and relaxation".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase všechno nejlepší, the word všechno is the neuter form of "everything". It is used in this context because the implied noun is neuter, such as in the phrase všechno dobré (all good things).
Did you know?
- In Czech culture, it is common to say všechno nejlepší to someone on their 'name day', which is the feast day of the saint they are named after.
- While všechno nejlepší is the standard greeting, Czechs often express birthday wishes by wishing someone 'many years' instead of just 'best wishes'.
- The word všechno originates from the Proto-Slavic root for 'all', making it a distant relative to the English word 'all' through deep Indo-European linguistic ties.
Examples in context
- Přejeme Vám k narozeninám všechno nejlepší!We wish you all the best on your birthday!
- Přeji Vám hodně úspěchů ve Vašem novém podnikání.I wish you much success in your new business venture.
- Přeji ti všechno nejlepší.I wish you all the best.
Example conversation
Jan is congratulating Lucie on her birthday.
- JanLucie, všechno nejlepší k narozeninám!Lucie, best wishes for your birthday!
- LucieDěkuju moc, Jene!Thank you so much, Jan!
- JanMáš dnes nějaké plány?Do you have any plans today?
- LucieAno, jdu s rodinou na večeři.Yes, I am going to dinner with my family.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry všechno nejlepší, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries všechno nejlepší, CC BY-SA 4.0.
