Language/Czech/Vocabulary/Shopping
◀️ Dining Etiquette — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Transportation ▶️ |
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Welcome to the lesson on Czech vocabulary for shopping! In this lesson, we will explore the essential words and phrases you need to navigate a shopping experience in the Czech Republic. Whether you're shopping for groceries, clothes, or other goods, this lesson will equip you with the necessary vocabulary to communicate effectively and confidently.
Shopping is an integral part of daily life, and by learning the relevant Czech vocabulary, you will be able to navigate stores, ask for assistance, and make purchases with ease. Throughout this lesson, we will cover various aspects of shopping, including common phrases, essential nouns, and verbs related to shopping, and cultural insights into the Czech shopping experience.
By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in Czech shopping vocabulary, enabling you to engage in everyday conversations and transactions. Let's get started!
Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Stores and Shops[edit | edit source]
When shopping in the Czech Republic, it's important to familiarize yourself with the different types of stores and shops you may encounter. Here are some common ones:
Czech | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
obchod | ohp-khod | shop/store |
supermarket | soo-per-mahr-keht | supermarket |
potraviny | poh-trah-vee-nee | grocery store |
pekárna | peh-kar-na | bakery |
maso | mah-so | butcher's shop |
zelenina | zeh-leh-nee-nah | vegetable shop |
oblečení | oh-bleh-cheh-nee | clothing store |
knihkupectví | kneeh-koo-pest-vee | bookstore |
lékárna | lay-kahr-na | pharmacy |
obchod s elektronikou | ohp-khod ess eh-lehk-troh-noh-koo | electronics store |
Grocery Shopping[edit | edit source]
When shopping for groceries, it's essential to know the names of various food items and common phrases associated with grocery shopping. Here are some useful vocabulary words:
Czech | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
mléko | mleh-ko | milk |
chléb | khlehb | bread |
máslo | mahs-loh | butter |
vejce | vey-tseh | eggs |
sýr | seer | cheese |
maso | mah-so | meat |
ryby | ree-bee | fish |
ovoce | oh-voh-tseh | fruit |
zelenina | zeh-leh-nee-nah | vegetables |
cukr | tsookr | sugar |
čokoláda | choh-koh-lah-dah | chocolate |
rýže | ree-zheh | rice |
těstoviny | tyes-toh-vee-nee | pasta |
mouka | moh-oo-kah | flour |
When shopping for groceries, you may also need to ask questions or make requests. Here are some phrases that will come in handy:
- Prosím, kde je chléb? (Excuse me, where is the bread?)
- Kolik stojí mléko? (How much does the milk cost?)
- Můžete mi prosím dát tři vejce? (Can you please give me three eggs?)
- Potřebuji půl kila masa. (I need half a kilo of meat.)
- Kde najdu cukr? (Where can I find sugar?)
Clothes Shopping[edit | edit source]
If you're in the mood for some retail therapy, knowing the Czech vocabulary for clothes shopping is essential. Here are some key words and phrases to help you navigate a clothing store:
Czech | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
tričko | treech-ko | t-shirt |
kalhoty | kahl-ho-tee | trousers/pants |
sukně | sook-nyeh | skirt |
šaty | shah-tee | dress |
košile | koh-shee-leh | shirt |
boty | boh-tee | shoes |
šátek | shah-tek | scarf |
kabát | kah-baht | coat |
svetr | sveht-r | sweater |
kalhotky | kahl-hoht-kee | underwear |
ponožky | poh-nohsh-kee | socks |
šperky | shpehr-kee | jewelry |
kabelka | kah-behl-kah | handbag |
When trying on clothes or asking for assistance, you can use the following phrases:
- Mám zájem o tyhle kalhoty. (I'm interested in these trousers.)
- Mohl(a) byste mi prosím ukázat velikost L? (Could you please show me size L?)
- Kde je kabinka? (Where is the fitting room?)
- Můžu si to prosím vyzkoušet? (Can I try it on, please?)
- Je to příliš malé/velké. (It's too small/big.)
- Máte to i ve větší/menší velikosti? (Do you have it in a larger/smaller size?)
Other Goods[edit | edit source]
In addition to groceries and clothes, you may also need to shop for other goods. Here are some vocabulary words related to miscellaneous shopping:
Czech | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
kniha | k-nee-ha | book |
noviny | noh-vee-nee | newspaper |
dárky | dahr-kee | gifts |
hračky | hrahts-kee | toys |
kosmetika | kohs-meh-tee-kah | cosmetics |
nádobí | nah-doh-bee | kitchenware |
elektronika | eh-lehk-troh-nee-kah | electronics |
nábytek | nah-beh-tek | furniture |
květiny | kveht-ee-nee | flowers |
stavebniny | stah-veb-nee-nee | construction materials |
nářadí | nah-rah-dee | tools |
autodíly | ow-toh-dee-lee | car parts |
When shopping for other goods, you may need to ask for assistance or inquire about specific items. Here are some useful phrases:
- Můžete mi prosím poradit s výběrem? (Can you please help me with the selection?)
- Hledám dárek pro svého bratra. (I'm looking for a gift for my brother.)
- Kde najdu elektroniku? (Where can I find electronics?)
- Potřebuji novou stolní lampu. (I need a new desk lamp.)
- Jak dlouho to vydrží? (How long will it last?)
Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]
Shopping in the Czech Republic is a unique experience that reflects the country's rich history and culture. Here are some interesting cultural insights related to shopping:
1. Markets: The Czech Republic is known for its vibrant markets, where you can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies. The most famous market in Prague is the Havelská Market, which has been operating since the 13th century.
2. Payment Methods: While cash is still widely used in the Czech Republic, credit and debit cards are becoming increasingly popular, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. It's a good idea to carry some cash with you, but you can also expect to find card payment options in many stores.
3. Sales and Discounts: Like in many countries, the Czech Republic has annual sales and discount periods, such as the "výprodej" or "slevy." These sales usually take place during the summer and after Christmas, offering significant discounts on clothing, electronics, and other goods.
4. Fashion Sense: Czech fashion is often characterized by its simplicity, elegance, and practicality. Many Czechs prefer classic styles and high-quality materials over trendy fashion. When shopping for clothes in the Czech Republic, you'll find a mix of international brands and local designers.
5. Sustainable Shopping: The Czech Republic has seen a rise in eco-friendly and sustainable shopping options in recent years. From zero-waste stores to second-hand shops, there are plenty of opportunities to shop in a more sustainable and environmentally conscious way.
Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now it's time to put your knowledge to the test! Complete the following exercises to practice using the Czech vocabulary for shopping.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks Fill in the blanks with the correct Czech word for each item.
1. Koupím si nové __________. (shoes) 2. Mám zájem o tuto __________. (book) 3. Kde najdu __________? (grocery store) 4. Potřebuji nové __________. (clothes) 5. Mohl(a) byste mi prosím ukázat __________? (scarf)
Exercise 2: Role Play Imagine you are shopping in a Czech clothing store. Create a dialogue between yourself and a store assistant. Use the vocabulary and phrases you have learned to ask for assistance, inquire about specific items, and make a purchase.
Exercise 3: Cultural Insight Research and write a short paragraph about a famous market in the Czech Republic. Include its name, location, history, and any interesting facts or traditions associated with it.
Solutions[edit | edit source]
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks 1. Koupím si nové boty. 2. Mám zájem o tuto knihu. 3. Kde najdu potraviny? 4. Potřebuji nové oblečení. 5. Mohl(a) byste mi prosím ukázat šátek?
Exercise 2: Role Play Student's dialogue may vary. Here's an example:
Student: Dobrý den, mohl(a) byste mi prosím pomoci s výběrem? Store Assistant: Samozřejmě, rád(a) vám pomohu. Hledáte něco konkrétního? Student: Ano, potřebuji nové tričko. Máte nějaké ve velikosti M? Store Assistant: Ano, tady máme několik triček ve velikosti M. Jakou barvu preferujete? Student: Rád(a) bych černé tričko. Store Assistant: Tady je černé tričko ve velikosti M. Chcete si ho vyzkoušet? Student: Ano, prosím. [Student tries on the t-shirt] Student: Sedí mi dobře. Kolik to stojí? Store Assistant: Tričko stojí 300 korun. Student: Dobře, vezmu ho. Můžu platit kartou? Store Assistant: Ano, přijímáme platby kartou. Děkuji za nákup.
Exercise 3: Cultural Insight Example paragraph:
Havelská Market is one of the oldest and most famous markets in Prague, Czech Republic. Located in Old Town, the market dates back to the 13th century and has a rich history. It offers a variety of goods, including fresh produce, local delicacies, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. The market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity to experience traditional Czech culture. Visitors can sample regional specialties, such as Trdelník (a sweet pastry) and buy unique souvenirs. Havelská Market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, providing a glimpse into the Czech Republic's rich culinary and cultural heritage.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations! You have completed the lesson on Czech vocabulary for shopping. By learning the essential words and phrases related to shopping, you are now equipped to navigate stores, ask for assistance, and make purchases in the Czech Republic. Keep practicing and exploring the Czech language to further enhance your language skills. Happy shopping!
Videos[edit | edit source]
Learn Czech A1/A2: Going Shopping + Verbs - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Talking About Going Shopping In Czech
- Tobo: Learn Czech Vocabulary on the App Store
- Essential Czech Vocabulary For Talking about Shops and Shopping
- Grocery Shopping Vocabulary - Prague, Czech Republic
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
◀️ Dining Etiquette — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Transportation ▶️ |