prosím
[ˈprosiːm]
The English phrase "please" is translated into Czech as prosím.
prosím is an interjection used to make a polite request. It is also commonly used as a polite response to děkuji (thank you), functioning like "you're welcome" or "please" (when handing something over).
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
Which one should you use?
While prosím is the standard form, you may encounter variations that align with the level of familiarity between speakers. prosím tě is used when speaking to someone informally, whereas prosím vás is used for formal situations.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To make a request grammatically aligned with the person you are addressing, you can use prosím tě for informal address or prosím vás for formal address.
When do people say it?
When someone says děkuji to you, responding with prosím is a standard way to say "you're welcome".
Did you know?
- The root of prosím is shared with the word for 'prayer' in many Slavic languages. Using prosím is historically linked to the act of petitioning or praying to a higher power.
- When someone is very surprised or offended by a request, they might respond with a sharp prosím?! This turns the polite word into a challenge meaning 'Excuse me?!' or 'What did you just ask of me?!'
- When answering the telephone, a Czech speaker might say 'prosím?' to signify 'Yes, please?' or 'I am listening?', rather than a simple 'hello'.
Examples in context
- Dej mi to, prosím.Give it to me, please.This sentence shows how to use prosím in a request to give something.Tatoeba #11044320 by aldar, translation #41825 by CK
- Dej mi víno, prosím.Give me wine, please.This sentence shows how to use prosím when asking for wine.Tatoeba #3341224 by jose76c, translation #12204553 by ATH
- Jdi s Tomem, prosím.Please go with Tom.This sentence shows how to use prosím when making a request for someone to go with another person.Tatoeba #6879873 by Ergulis, translation #5422332 by CK
- Prosím, můžete mi pomoci?Please, can you help me?
- Prosím, mohl byste mi dát menu?Please, could you give me the menu?
- Prosím, můžete mi říct, kde je nádraží?Please, can you tell me where the train station is?
- Prosím tě, můžeš mi půjčit tu knihu?Please, can you lend me that book?
- Prosím tě, mohl bys mi říct, jak se tam dostanu?Please, could you tell me how to get there?
- Prosím tě, můžeš mi poslat ty fotky?Please, can you send me those photos?
- 456 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jakub and Tereza are in a kitchen.
- JakubDej mi tu vodu, prosím.Give me that water, please.
- TerezaTady máš, Jakube.Here you go, Jakub.
- JakubDíky moc.Thanks a lot.
- TerezaNení zač.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries prosím, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
