prosím
/prɔsiːm/
In Slovak, "please" is expressed as prosím.
The word prosím is used as an interjection to make a polite request. It is also commonly used as a polite response to ďakujem (thank you), functioning similarly to "you're welcome" in English.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word prosím is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb prosiť, which means "to pray" or "to beg".
How does it change in a sentence?
To increase the level of politeness when addressing a stranger or a superior, you can add vás (the formal/plural "you") to the phrase to get prosím vás. When making a request to a friend or someone you are on familiar terms with, you can use prosím ťa (meaning "I beg you", informal). Additionally, the phrase Mohol by si… prosím? can be used informally to mean "Could you… please?"
How do you pronounce it?
/prɔsiːm/
Did you know?
- In a restaurant or shop, a server will often say prosím when handing you your food or change. In this specific interaction, it translates closer to 'here you go' than 'please'.
- If you didn't hear someone or didn't understand what they said, you can simply say prosím? with a rising intonation. In this context, it functions like the English phrase 'pardon?' or 'I beg your pardon?'
- In very formal or old-fashioned settings, you might encounter the phrase prosím vás veľmi pekne. This adds 'very nicely' to the request to maximize the level of courtesy.
Examples in context
- Poď so mnou, prosím.Come with me, please.This sentence shows how to use prosím in a command.Tatoeba #12687185 by Dominika7, translation #1152168 by belgavox
- Umy si tanier, prosím.Wash your plate, please.This sentence demonstrates prosím used within a request to wash a plate.Tatoeba #8936337 by Dominika7, translation #6694819 by Eccles17
- Prosím, ukážte mi viac.Please show me more.This sentence shows how to use prosím at the beginning of a request.Tatoeba #9000166 by Dominika7, translation #3415148 by CK
- Prosím vás, môžete mi pomôcť?Please, can you help me?
- Prosím ťa, požičaj mi pero.Please, lend me a pen.
- 297 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zuzana is asking Michal for a glass of water.
- ZuzanaMichal, daj mi prosím vodu.Michal, please give me some water.
- MichalTu ju máš, Zuzana.Here it is, Zuzana.
- ZuzanaĎakujem veľmi pekne.Thank you very much.
- MichalRiadne prosím.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.
