Dobré odpoledne
The Czech phrase for "good afternoon" is Dobré odpoledne.
Dobré odpoledne is used specifically as a greeting during the afternoon hours.
Meaning: greeting said in the afternoon (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective dobré (good) and the noun odpoledne (afternoon).
Which one should you use?
While Dobré odpoledne is used specifically for the afternoon, the phrase Dobrý den (Good day) is a more common, all-purpose greeting used from morning until evening.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective dobré is in the neuter gender form to agree with the neuter noun odpoledne.
Did you know?
- In Czech culture, it is considered impolite to enter a small shop or an elevator without saying a greeting like Dobrý den or Dobré odpoledne to everyone present.
- Czech has a very strict social hierarchy in greetings. Using Dobré odpoledne is a safe, formal choice, but using the informal Ahoj in the afternoon to a stranger could be seen as disrespectful.
- The word odpoledne literally means 'after noon'. It is formed from the prefix od meaning 'from' and poledne meaning 'midday'.
Examples in context
- Dobré odpoledne. Vy jste náš nový soused, pokud se nemýlím?Good afternoon. You are our new neighbor, if I'm not mistaken?This sentence shows how to use Dobré odpoledne when introducing yourself to a new neighbor.Tatoeba #871531 by pejsek, translation #871529 by CM
- Dobré odpoledne.Good afternoon.This sentence shows a simple use of Dobré odpoledne.Tatoeba #871493 by vita, translation #499689 by CK
- Dobré odpoledne také.Good afternoon to you too.
- Dobré odpoledne, pane učiteli.Good afternoon, teacher.
Example conversation
Jakub and Lucie meet in the hallway of their office.
- JakubDobré odpoledne, Lucie!Good afternoon, Lucie!
- LucieDobré odpoledne, Jakube. Jak se máš?Good afternoon, Jakub. How are you?
- JakubMám se skvěle, děkuji.I'm doing great, thank you.
- LucieTo mě těší.I am glad to hear that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries odpoledne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
