Ways to say it
| Czech | IPA |
|---|---|
| děkuji | [ˈɟɛkujɪ] (narrow) |
| děkuji vám | [ɟɛkujɪ vaːm] (narrow) |
| děkuji ti | [ɟɛkujɪ cɪ] (narrow) |
děkuji is an expression of gratitude. You can use it to thank someone for something, often following the preposition za to indicate the reason for your thanks.
What does it mean word for word?
děkuji is the first-person singular form of the verb děkovat, which means "I thank".
Which one should you use?
The forms of the phrase change depending on whom you are addressing. Use děkuji vám when addressing a person formally or a group of people. Use děkuji ti when addressing a single person informally.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
děkuji is a shortened and less formal version of děkuji vám. For a common and informal way to say "thanks", you can use díky.
How does it change in a sentence?
When saying "thank you for [something]", use the preposition za followed by the accusative case.
When do people say it?
When saying děkuji vám to strangers or elders, it is considered polite to add pan or paní before the person's last name. A standard response to děkuji is Není zač, which means "there is no reason [to thank me]" (You're welcome / Not at all).
Did you know?
- The word děkovat can be used in a sarcastic way to express annoyance, similar to saying 'thanks a lot' in English when someone makes a mistake.
- Czech has a specific word vděčnost for the feeling of gratitude, which shares a root with děkovat. This makes the language distinguish clearly between the act of thanking and the internal state of being grateful.
- When responding to děkuji, the phrase není zač literally means 'there is nothing for which [to thank]'. It reflects a cultural tendency to minimize the effort spent on a favor.
Examples in context
- Dobře, děkuji. A vy?Fine, thank you. And you?Tatoeba #3441099 by nueby, translation #239430 by sundown
- Děkuji ti za tvůj zájem.Thank you for your interest.Tatoeba #1142629 by tommy390, translation #18929 by CK
- Děkuji ti za tvůj email.Thank you for your email.Tatoeba #4270938 by Tirifto, translation #4263053 by JFMorais
- Děkuji vámexpress your gratitude
- Díkythank them in an informal manner
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukáš gives Lucie a gift.
- LukášTady je tvůj dárek, Lucie.Here is your gift, Lucie.
- LucieÓ, děkuji! Je to krásné.Oh, thank you! It is beautiful.
- LukášRád se ti to líbí.I am glad you like it.
- LucieMoc děkuji, Lukáši.Thank you very much, Lukáš.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries děkuji, děkuji vám, děkuji ti, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
