dobrý den, jmenuji se
The Czech phrase for "hello, my name is" is dobrý den, jmenuji se.
This phrase is used to introduce yourself to someone for the first time. It is the standard way to introduce yourself in professional settings, such as business meetings or when meeting an elder.
What does it mean word for word?
The part jmenuji se literally means "I am named" or "I call myself".
Which one should you use?
While dobrý den, jmenuji se is used for formal introductions, the casual version ahoj, jmenuju se is used when introducing yourself to peers or children.
How does it change in a sentence?
The expression uses the reflexive form of the verb jmenovat (to name), which is jmenovat se, to express one's own name.
Did you know?
- In Czech culture, it is common to shake hands firmly while saying dobrý den when introducing yourself, but you should never shake hands across a table or threshold.
- The reflexive particle se in jmenuji se comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *swé, which is the same ancestor for the English word 'self'.
- While dobrý den is the standard greeting, you might hear people say dobrý večer in the evening or dobré ráno in the morning to be more precise about the time of day.
Examples in context
- Ahoj, já jsem Petr.Hello, my name is Petr.
- Dobrý den, jmenuji se Marie a jsem vaše nová kolegyně.Hello, my name is Marie and I am your new colleague.
- Dobrý den, jmenuji se Jan, těší mě.Hello, my name is Jan, nice to meet you.
Example conversation
Lukáš and Lucie meet for the first time at a business conference.
- LukášDobrý den, jmenuji se Lukáš.Hello, my name is Lukáš.
- LucieTěší mě, Lukáši. Já jsem Lucie.Nice to meet you, Lukáš. I am Lucie.
- LukášTěší mě rovněž, Lucie.Nice to meet you too, Lucie.
- LucieOdkud jste?Where are you from?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries den, dobrý, se, CC BY-SA 4.0.
