Titles and address
In formal situations, Czech often uses pan or paní with a surname or title. Use the full polite form until invited to be more informal.
Names and titles
Pan and paní help mark formal address. With strangers, teachers, offices, and new adults, use a title or surname instead of jumping straight to a first name.
- man
pan Novák
Mr. Novák
- woman
paní Nováková
Ms. / Mrs. Nováková
- addressing a man
Dobrý den, pane Nováku.
Hello, Mr. Novák.
- addressing a woman
Dobrý den, paní Nováková.
Hello, Ms. / Mrs. Nováková.
- doctor
pane doktore
Doctor. Addressing a man.
- teacher
paní učitelko
Teacher. Addressing a woman.