Vanda Svobodova“Na zdraví!” (pronounced NAH ZDRAH-vee) is how Czechs say “cheers” — literally, “to health!” — before drinking beer, wine, spirits or any toast. The Czech Republic has the world’s highest per-capita beer consumption, so you’ll hear the phrase constantly. Say it correctly with eye contact and everyone will assume you know what you’re doing.
The essential Czech drinking phrase
| Phrase | Pronunciation | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Na zdraví! | NAH ZDRAH-vee | Universal “cheers” — beer, wine, spirits, any toast |
| Na zdraví vaše! | NAH ZDRAH-vee VAH-sheh | “To your health!” — formal / when toasting one specific person |
| Přípitek! | PRZHEE-pee-tek | “A toast!” — announcing a formal toast |
| Ať žije! | ATSH ZHEE-yeh | “Long live [name]!” — used at birthdays |
| Prosit! | PROH-sit | Also used, especially in Moravia and near the Austrian border |
The rules of a Czech toast
- Make eye contact with each person you clink glasses with. This is non-negotiable — breaking eye contact is said (in a joking-but-serious way) to bring seven years of bad luck / bad sex.
- Clink each glass individually if the group is small; a single collective raise is acceptable in larger groups.
- Don’t cross arms when clinking across the table.
- Never toast with water — considered bad luck; toast with beer, wine, or spirits, or don’t participate.
- Take at least one sip before setting the glass down.
- Wait for the host at a formal dinner — Czechs typically don’t drink until the host raises a glass.
Other Czech drinking vocabulary
- Pivo (PEE-voh) — beer
- Jedno pivo, prosím (YED-noh PEE-voh PROH-seem) — “One beer, please”
- Malé / velké (MAH-leh / VEL-keh) — small (0.3L) / large (0.5L)
- Slivovice (SLIH-voh-vits-eh) — plum brandy; the national spirit
- Becherovka (BEH-heh-ROV-kah) — the Karlovy Vary herbal liqueur
- Ještě jedno, prosím — “Another one, please”
- Zaplatíme, prosím — “We’d like to pay, please”
Regional variations
In Moravia, wine-drinkers often say “Prosit!” (borrowed from German) or “Na zdravíčko!” (a diminutive, warmer form). In Bohemia, especially in beer halls, “Na zdraví!” reigns unchallenged. Younger Czechs sometimes shorten it to just “Zdraví!” among friends.
Toasts for special occasions
- Birthdays — “Všechno nejlepší!” (Best wishes!) followed by “Na zdraví!”
- Weddings — “Na štěstí!” (To happiness!) or “Ať vám to klape!” (May it work out for you!)
- New Year — “Šťastný nový rok!” (Happy New Year!) then “Na zdraví!”
- Business meetings — Simple “Na zdraví!” is safest; wait for your Czech host to initiate.
Frequently asked questions
Is “Na zdraví” the same as “Nazdar”?
No. Nazdar is a casual “hello” or “bye”; Na zdraví is “cheers” (before drinking) or “bless you” (after a sneeze). Same words in different contexts.
What do Czechs actually say when they clink glasses?
Almost always “Na zdraví!”. In beer halls, groups often chant it together. Younger crowds occasionally use English “Cheers!” ironically.
How important is eye contact?
Very. Older Czechs take it seriously enough that avoiding eye contact is considered rude. Younger urban Czechs are more relaxed but still notice.
Should I stand for a toast?
Only at very formal occasions (weddings, official state dinners). At normal meals and in pubs, everyone stays seated.
What about drinking games?
Czechs don’t tend to have organised drinking games in the American style. Beer culture is about pacing, conversation, and steady enjoyment over several hours — not shots and speed.
Learn more Czech
- “The Oxford Companion to Beer” — excellent Czech beer chapter with terminology.
- “Czech Beer: A Guide” by Evan Rail
- Czech-style 0.5L beer mugs — practise at home.
- Rick Steves Prague guidebook — has a Czech phrase primer.
