bav se
informal
The English phrase 'have fun' is expressed in Czech as bav se. Wiktionary also lists bavte se.
Meaning: wish someone a good time (intj)
Ways to say it
| Czech | Note |
|---|---|
| bav se | informal |
| bavte se | formal |
You use these phrases to wish someone a good time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is derived from the reflexive verb bavit se, which literally means 'to entertain oneself' or 'to enjoy oneself'.
Which one should you use?
bav se is used for one person, whereas bavte se is used for multiple people or to show formal respect.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bav se is the informal form, while bavte se is the formal form.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
bav se is the singular imperative used when speaking to one friend or person you are on informal terms with. bavte se is the imperative used when speaking to a group of people or to one person using the formal vy address.
Did you know?
- If a Czech person tells you budu se bavit, they might be saying they will have fun, or they might be saying they are going to make fun of someone.
- While bav se wishes someone a good time, the same verb bavit is used to say 'I like this movie' as baví mě ten film, which literally means 'the movie entertains me'.
- Using the formal bavte se to a stranger might actually sound slightly strange or overly enthusiastic. In Czech culture, a simple 'užijte si to' (enjoy it) is often preferred for wishing someone a good time in formal settings.
Examples in context
- Děkuji, budu se snažit!Thank you, I'll try to!
- Ahoj, užij si to a bav se!Bye, enjoy it and have fun!
- Bav se v kině.Have fun at the cinema.
- Ahoj, bav se na oslavě!Bye, have fun at the party!
- Bav se dobře na dovolené.Have a good time on vacation.
Example conversation
Kateřina is saying goodbye to Lukáš before he goes to a concert.
- KateřinaUž odcházím, jdi na ten koncert.I'm leaving now, go to the concert.
- LukášDobře, uvidíme se zítra.Alright, I'll see you tomorrow.
- KateřinaJasně, bav se!Sure, have fun!
- LukášDíky, ahoj!Thanks, bye!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “have fun” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
