Episode 6 (daily podcast CZECH YOUR DAY) transcript included

THIS WEEK’S TOPIC: WHAT TIME IS IT?/KOLIK JE HODIN?

THE TRANSCRIPT/HANDOUT IS DOWN BELOW

The Czech Time System

Did you know that Czech people use both the 12-hour and 24-hour time systems? We use the 24-hour system in rather formal situations, such as scheduling doctor’s appointments or listening to radio broadcasts, to avoid any potential mix-ups.

On the other hand, the 12-hour system is more commonly used in everyday conversations – eg. with friends and family.

Asking and Telling Time

To ask, „What time is it?“ in Czech, you would say, „Kolik je hodin?“

A stranger may ask you like this:

• „Dobrý den, prosím, nevíte kolik je hodin?“
• „Dobrý den, nevíte, prosím, kolik je hodin?“

When responding, you’ll notice the use of different verbs based on the number.

For instance:

• One o’clock requires the verb JE: „Je jedna hodina.“
• Numbers two to four use JSOU: „Jsou dvě hodiny“, „Jsou tři hodiny“, „Jsou čtyři hodiny.“
• Numbers five to twenty-four use JE: „Je pět hodin.“

And how do Czech people reply in informal way?

It’s typical to skip the word HODINA:

• Je jedna.
• Jsou dvě.
• Je pět.