The verb in YOU-person is different when you speak to someone you don’t know from when you speak to your friends. It is vital to use the verb correctly as it is considered strange and even rude to use it in the opposite way.

The verb form used for formal speaking in the Czech language is you-plural (vy) usually having the -te suffix (opposed to informal -š suffix). If you talk to more people formally, it still remains you- plural (vy).

See Conjugation Categories reference for more information on grammatical persons.

Informal Speaking

The informal tone is mainly used with friends and family members. Also, at situations which involve two people of similar age in the same environment, group or event, people commonly use informal and more friendly language.

• friends
• family members
• classmates (even adults at language schools and universities)
• same-level workmates (in a friendly environment)
• an older person talking to a child (no specific boundary but around up to 16-18 years of age)
• Usually people of a similar age at parties, celebrations, love dates and in clubs
• Sometimes also cyclists passing each other on the road, mushroom pickers, river rafters, event attendees sharing the same hobby etc.

However, always be cautious and if you are not sure whether to speak informally, rather use the formal language. If the other person feels comfortable, they may offer you to start speaking informally.

Speaking with someone informally is called tykat or tykání.

Formal Speaking

Generally, the formal tone is required anytime you speak to an unknown person or a person with a higher authority than yours.

• shop assistants (all people in shops and services)
• anyone superior on the workplace (if not agreed differently)
• office clerks and officials
• policemen, doctors and all other state employees
• older people (children talking to anyone considerably older – not family members, though!)

Speaking with someone formally is called vykat or vykání.