Episode 37 (daily podcast CZECH YOUR DAY) transcript included

THIS WEEK’S TOPIC: CHEESE/SÝR

THE TRANSCRIPT/HANDOUT IS DOWN BELOW

If you’re a cheese enthusiast, you’re in the right place! This week on our daily podcast is all about cheese. We dig into the cultural specifics of ordering cheese in Czech, helping you turn those intimidating cheese counters into a playground of flavors. By the end of this week, you’ll be able to confidently ask for your favourite cheese without hesitation. Let’s dive in! JDEME NA TO!

Embracing Real-Life Czech

Communicating in a new language often means learning to bridge the gap between textbook knowledge and real-world usage. In today’s episode, I break down how we talk about quantities, especially in the context of buying cheese. We’ll cover common expressions and measurements you’ll frequently encounter in shops.

Real-Life Czech: Decagrams in Action

In our everyday Czech lingo, we often use „deka“ (short for decagrams) instead of grams. This might sound unusual at first, but it’s quite practical once you get the hang of it. Here’s how it sounds in a typical setting:

• Deset deka, patnáct deka, dvacet deka, čtvrt kila, třicet deka, čtyřicet deka, půl kila
• Translation:
• Ten decagrams, fifteen decagrams, twenty decagrams, quarter of a kilo, thirty decagrams, forty decagrams, half a kilo

Yes, you heard right! Instead of saying 100 grams, we opt for 10 decagrams. If you ever want to buy 200 grams of cheese, just say „dvacet deka“ and you’ll fit right in.

Exam Prep: Standard Czech Version

For those preparing for exams or formal situations, knowing the standard Czech terms is essential. Let’s go through the standard terms:

• Deset dekagramů, patnáct dekagramů, dvacet dekagramů, čtvrt kilogramu, třicet dekagramů, čtyřicet dekagramů, půl kilogramu
• Translation:
• Ten decagrams, fifteen decagrams, twenty decagrams, quarter of a kilogram, thirty decagrams, forty decagrams, half a kilogram