dobrý den
[dobriː dɛn]
dobrý den is the Czech way to say "good day".
dobrý den is used as a greeting between sunrise and sunset.
Meaning: greeting between sunrise and sunset (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective dobrý (good) and the noun den (day).
Which one should you use?
While dobrý den is used for formal situations, ahoj is the common informal counterpart used with friends and family. If it is very early in the morning, you should use the phrase dobré ráno instead of dobrý den.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
dobrý den is the standard formal greeting used when entering shops, offices or addressing strangers.
Did you know?
- In Czech culture, failing to say dobrý den when entering a small shop or a lift can be perceived as surprisingly rude or aggressive.
- Unlike English, where 'good day' can sometimes be used as a dismissive farewell, dobrý den is almost exclusively used as an arrival greeting.
- The word den shares a common ancestor with the English word 'day', meaning both phrases stems from the same Proto-Indo-European roots.
Examples in context
- Dobrý den, jak se máte?Good day, how are you?
- Dobrý den, venku je krásné počasí.Good day, the weather is beautiful outside.
- Dobrý den, chtěl bych kávu.Good day, I would like a coffee.
Example conversation
Tereza and Tomáš meet on the street during the afternoon.
- TerezaDobrý den, Tomáši!Good day, Tomáš!
- TomášAhoj, Terezo! Jak se máš?Hi, Tereza! How are you?
- TerezaMám se dobře, děkuji.I am doing well, thank you.
- TomášTo mě těší.I am glad to hear that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good day” translations and entries dobrý den, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries den, dobrý, dobrý den, CC BY-SA 4.0.
