Stress and rhythm

Czech stress is usually on the first syllable. Vowel length is separate from stress, so a long vowel can appear outside the stressed syllable.

Stress and length

Think in two layers: stress usually starts the word or preposition phrase, while long vowels stay long wherever they are written.

Clue / sound

first syllable

Written form

Praha

Note

The first syllable carries the stress.

Clue / sound

phrase rhythm

Written form

dobrý den

Note

Czech rhythm is steady; do not reduce unstressed vowels as strongly as in English.

Clue / sound

preposition stress

Written form

do školy

Note

A short preposition can carry the stress of the phrase.

Clue / sound

length is separate

Written form

prosím

Note

The first syllable is stressed, but the written í still stays long.

Clue / sound	Written form	Note
first syllable	Praha	The first syllable carries the stress.
phrase rhythm	dobrý den	Czech rhythm is steady; do not reduce unstressed vowels as strongly as in English.
preposition stress	do školy	A short preposition can carry the stress of the phrase.
length is separate	prosím	The first syllable is stressed, but the written í still stays long.