Ways to say it
| Czech | IPA |
|---|---|
| děkuji | [ˈɟɛkujɪ] (narrow) |
| děkuji vám | [ɟɛkujɪ vaːm] (narrow) |
| děkuji ti | [ɟɛkujɪ cɪ] (narrow) |
You use these forms to express gratitude. To say "thank you for [something]", use the preposition za followed by the noun in the accusative case.
What does it mean word for word?
The word děkuji is the first-person singular form of the verb děkovat, which literally means "I thank".
Which one should you use?
Děkuji is the standard, complete verb form. In contrast, díky is a shorter, more colloquial way to say "thanks".
How does it change in a sentence?
To direct your thanks to a specific person, you can add a pronoun in the dative case. děkuji vám is used to express gratitude to a group of people or to someone you address formally. děkuji ti is used to express gratitude to a single person you address informally.
When do people say it?
The most common response to děkuji is prosím, which can also mean "please" or "pardon".
Did you know?
- The word děkuji is rooted in an old term for 'giving' or 'paying', suggesting that gratitude was historically viewed as a form of symbolic payment for a service.
- In some Czech regions, people may use the phrase díky moc to say 'thanks a lot', where moc literally means 'power' or 'force'.
- In very casual settings, Czechs may use díky as a shorthand, similar to the English 'thanks'. However, using this with a superior or a stranger could be perceived as unexpectedly blunt.
Examples in context
- Dobře, děkuji. A vy?Fine, thank you. And you?This example shows how to use děkuji in a response to a question about how you are.Tatoeba #3441099 by nueby, translation #239430 by sundown
- Děkuji ti za tvůj zájem.Thank you for your interest.This is useful for expressing gratitude for someone's interest using děkuji.Tatoeba #1142629 by tommy390, translation #18929 by CK
- Děkuji ti za tvůj email.Thank you for your email.This shows how to use děkuji to thank someone for an email.Tatoeba #4270938 by Tirifto, translation #4263053 by JFMorais
- Děkuji za vaši pomoc.Thank you for your help.
- Děkuji moc za vaši laskavost.Thank you very much for your kindness.
- Díky za pozvání.Thanks for the invitation.
- Děkuju za skvělý večer.Thank you for the great evening.
- Děkuji moc, JanThank you very much, Jan
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jakub gives Tereza a cup of coffee in the office.
- JakubTerezo, tady máš kávu.Tereza, here is your coffee.
- TerezaDěkuji, Jakube.Thank you, Jakub.
- JakubNení zač.You're welcome.
- TerezaJe opravdu výborná.It is really excellent.
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.
