How to Say Hello in Slovak and Other Common Phrases

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Slovak for Hello

The most common word for hello in Slovak is Ahoj (pronounced “ah-hoy”). It’s informal and widely used among friends, family, and people around your age. Think of it like saying “hi” or “hey” in English.

For something a bit more formal, especially when greeting someone older or in a professional setting, use Dobrý deň (pronounced “DOH-bree deɲ”), which means “good day.” It’s polite and works at any time of day, especially in shops, restaurants, or when meeting someone for the first time.

Other time-specific greetings include:

• Dobré ráno – “Good morning” (used before about 9 or 10 a.m.)
• Dobrý večer – “Good evening” (used after about 6 p.m.)

If you're greeting someone later at night but not going to bed just yet, you might still say Dobrý večer, but when it's time to part ways, say Dobrú noc – “Good night.”

Each of these greetings gives you a different way to say hello in Slovak, depending on the time of day and the formality of the situation. Understanding which greeting to use adds a touch of local finesse to your interactions.

More Slovak Greetings

Aside from knowing how to say hello in Slovak, there are plenty of other greetings that are handy to learn. For example:

• Čau (pronounced “chow”) – This is a casual way to say both “hi” and “bye,” used between friends. It comes from Italian and is popular in many Central European countries.
• Zdravím – A neutral greeting that means something like “I greet you.” It’s friendly, less formal than Dobrý deň, and works well in both speech and emails.
• Nazdar! – This one is cheerful and energetic. It originally meant something like “Hooray!” but is now used to say “Hi!” informally, especially among young people.
• Vitaj! – Means “Welcome!” when addressing one person. The plural or formal version is Vitajte! You’ll hear this when you enter someone’s home, a hotel, or even a shop.

These common Slovak phrases help you go beyond the basics and show a bit more personality. They’re perfect for building a connection or simply getting a friendly response from the locals.

Common Slovak Phrases for Travellers

Once you've mastered how to say hello in Slovak, the next step is picking up a few essential expressions that will help you navigate everyday situations. Whether you're ordering food, asking for directions, or just being polite, these common Slovak phrases will come in handy during your trip.

Here are some useful expressions to learn before you go:

• Ďakujem (dya-koo-yem) – “Thank you”
• Prosím (pro-seem) – “Please” or “You’re welcome”
• Prepáčte (preh-pah-chteh) – “Excuse me” / “Sorry” (formal)
• Kde je toaleta? – “Where is the bathroom?”
• Koľko to stojí? – “How much does it cost?”
• Nech sa páči – “Here you go” or “Go ahead” (used when offering something)
• Hovoríte po anglicky? – “Do you speak English?”
• Nerozumiem – “I don’t understand”
• Pomoc! – “Help!”

Many of these Slovak phrases are short, but they can make a huge difference in your travel experience. Locals will appreciate the effort, and you’ll find it easier to get around, even if you don’t speak the language fluently.

Slovak Pronunciation Tips

Learning how to say hello in Slovak is one thing—saying it like a local is another. Slovak pronunciation is fairly consistent, which means once you learn how each letter sounds, you'll be able to pronounce most words with confidence. But to make sure you're ready when the moment comes, here are a few special consonants to pay attention to—especially those special characters that might look unfamiliar at first.

• Č – Pronounced like the English “ch” in chocolate. So “Čau” sounds like chow.
• Š – Sounds like the “sh” in shoe.
• Ž – This one’s like the “s” in measure or vision.
• Ď – A soft “dy” sound, similar to how you’d say “d” in educate.
• Ť – Like a soft “ty”, as in the word tune when said gently.
• Ň – A soft “ny” sound, like in the Spanish niño or Italian gnocchi.
• R – Rolled or trilled, even just a little. It's more vibrant than the English "r."

Vowels in Slovak are short and crisp. For example, a is always pronounced like the "a" in father, and e is like the "e" in bed. Long vowels are marked with an accent (á, é, í, ó, ú, ý) and should be held slightly longer when spoken.

Understanding these sounds will make it easier to pronounce common Slovak phrases correctly and be understood when speaking to locals. It might take a little practice, but once you've got these basics down, everything from Slovak for hello to asking for directions will sound much more natural.

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Want to go beyond just learning how to say hello in Slovak? At Listen & Learn, we offer personalised Slovak courses taught by native teachers who adapt every lesson to your goals and learning style. Each course starts with a free assessment to understand exactly what you need—whether you're preparing for a trip, reconnecting with your roots, or learning from scratch. What sets us apart is the option to take one-to-one Slovak lessons in person, right in your city. We offer Slovak lessons in London, Manchester, and many other locations, plus fully flexible online Slovak courses if you prefer to learn from home.