In this beginner Czech lesson, you will learn how to say your name, ask someone else's name, and respond politely when you meet someone. You will practice with short phrases and a simple dialogue.
Objectives
- Say your own name in Czech using Jmenuji se or Já jsem.
- Ask another person's name with Jak se jmenuješ? or Jak se jmenujete? depending on formality.
- Respond naturally in a short introduction exchange, including the polite phrase Těší mě.
Phrases
My name is Ana.
Literally 'I call myself Ana'. The name comes after se. Works in casual and polite situations.What is your name? (informal singular)
Use with a friend or someone your age. The ending -š is informal singular.I am Petr.
Já means 'I' and jsem is the present form of být, 'to be'. The pronoun já can be included for clarity or emphasis, or left out.Nice to meet you.
A fixed polite phrase used when you meet someone. It does not change with the gender of the speaker.What is your name? (polite or plural)
Use when speaking politely to one adult you do not know well, or when asking more than one person. The ending -ete is polite or plural.Explanations
Saying your name with Jmenuji se
Use Jmenuji se Ana to say 'My name is Ana'. The phrase literally means 'I call myself Ana', so the name comes after se. It works in both casual and polite situations.
Saying 'I am' with Já jsem
Use Já jsem Petr to say 'I am Petr'. Já means 'I' and jsem is the present form of the verb být, 'to be'. The pronoun já is often included for clarity or emphasis, but it can also be left out because the verb form already shows the subject.
Asking someone's name
Ask a friend or someone your age Jak se jmenuješ? to mean 'What is your name?' Use Jak se jmenujete? when speaking politely to one adult you do not know well, or when asking more than one person. The difference is the verb ending: -š is informal singular, -ete is polite or plural.
Dialogue
A: Hello. My name is Ana.
B: Nice to meet you. I am Petr.
A: What is your name? (informal singular)
B: My name is Petr.
Pronunciation
Listen carefully to the recording, repeat each phrase aloud, and copy the speaker's rhythm and intonation. Focus on the melody of the question Jak se jmenuješ? and on the polite phrase Těší mě.
Common mistake
Using the informal Jak se jmenuješ? with an adult you do not know well.
Use Jak se jmenujete? when speaking politely to one adult you do not know well, or when asking more than one person.
Practice
Listen to the recording and repeat the phrase that means 'My name is Ana.'
The phrase begins with Jmenuji se.
Show answer
Jmenuji se Ana.The correct phrase is Jmenuji se Ana. It literally means 'I call myself Ana', and the name comes after se.
You meet a new friend your age and want to ask their name. Say the appropriate question aloud.
Use the informal singular form with the ending -š.
Show answer
Jak se jmenuješ?The correct question is Jak se jmenuješ? Use it with a friend or someone your age.
You are speaking politely to an adult you do not know. Ask their name aloud.
Use the polite form with the ending -ete.
Show answer
Jak se jmenujete?The correct question is Jak se jmenujete? Use it when speaking politely to one adult you do not know well, or when asking more than one person.
You can now introduce yourself in Czech with Jmenuji se or Já jsem, ask someone's name with Jak se jmenuješ? or Jak se jmenujete?, and respond politely with Těší mě.
Practice with Yapr
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