EN->CZ General Questions.

Discussion in 'Vocabulary & Translation Help' started by evian, Jun 1, 2006.

  1. evian

    evian Well-Known Member

    Can you please translate:

    1. "I live in Australia."
    2. "Can I [please]* have...."
    3. "I want...."


    *: Where is it best to integrate prosim?
    To say "I want...." for a purchase or request in Czech, is this perceived abruptly as it is often in English?

    Děkuji.
     
  2. Kanadanka

    Kanadanka Well-Known Member

    1. "I live in Australia."
    Ziji v Australii

    2. "Can I [please]* have...."
    Prosim pekne, mohl (mohla) bych mit...

    3. "I want...."
    Ja chci
    (or "chtel/chtela bych)
     
  3. dzurisova

    dzurisova Well-Known Member

    I believe "chtel/chtela bych" is more like "I would like" than I want. At least that is what Czech Step by Step translates it as.
     
  4. Kanadanka

    Kanadanka Well-Known Member

    I guess that depends if you want an exact translation or if you want to learn how it is customarily used in CR
     
  5. Sova

    Sova Well-Known Member

    If the context of "I want ... " is that of asking someone for something, "chtel/chtela bych ... " is more polite, and probably more often used. The literal translation is, of course, "chci." Note also that, particularly in the context of ordering a meal/drink at a restaurant/pub, you can also use "Ja si dam ..."
     

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