Ways to say it
| Czech | IPA |
|---|---|
| na shledanou | [ˈnasxlɛdanou̯] (narrow) [ˈnazɦlɛdanou̯] (Moravia, narrow) |
| sbohem | [ˈzboɦɛm] (narrow) |
The most common way to say goodbye is na shledanou, which is used when you expect to see the person again. The word sbohem is a more formal and old-fashioned way to say goodbye, typically used when parting for a longer period or potentially forever.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase na shledanou literally means until we see each other again.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two forms depends on the nature of the parting: na shledanou is used when a future meeting is expected, whereas sbohem often implies a more permanent or final parting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Na shledanou is the standard polite and formal way to say goodbye, commonly used in professional settings, shops or restaurants. Sbohem is also formal but carries a heavier, more dramatic weight than na shledanou.
Related words
Did you know?
- The phrase na shledanou is so common that it is the standard way to end almost every polite telephone conversation in Czech.
- The formal goodbye sbohem contains the word for 'God', as it is a shortened form of 's Bohem', meaning 'with God'.
- Because 'sbohem' implies a finality, using it in a casual setting can be perceived as a sarcastic way to end an argument.
Examples in context
- Sbohem navždy!Goodbye for ever!This sentence shows how to use sbohem to express a permanent parting.Tatoeba #3557379 by nueby, translation #528557 by pliiganto
- Je čas říct sbohem.It's time to say goodbye.This sentence shows how to use sbohem when it is time to say goodbye.Tatoeba #5945100 by dzoja, translation #2645043 by CK
- Na shledanou!Goodbye!
- Ahoj! Nashledanou!Hi! Goodbye!
- Na shledanou, pane učiteli.Goodbye, teacher.
Example conversation
Tomáš and Kateřina are leaving a formal office building.
- TomášDěkuji vám za pomoc.Thank you for your help.
- KateřinaRáda jsem vám pomohla.I was happy to help you.
- TomášNa shledanou, Kateřino.Goodbye, Kateřina.
- KateřinaNa shledanou, Tomáši.Goodbye, Tomáš.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goodbye” translations and entries na shledanou, sbohem, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries na, sbohem, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
