Na shledanou

When to use it:
Use na shledanou in any formal situation (polite you). The phrase literally translates to "until we meet again" and comes from the verb shledat se (to meet again). This includes leaving a shop, finishing a meeting, or saying goodbye to someone older than you.

How to reply:
The standard response to na shledanou is simply to repeat the phrase back: Na shledanou.

Phone and video calls:
When ending a formal phone call, use the equivalent phrase na slyšenou (literally "until we hear each other again"). For video calls or when you will see someone again soon, you can use na viděnou. Just like the main phrase, these must always be written as two separate words (never naslyšenou or naviděnou).

Pronunciation tip:
Do not pronounce the "s" and "h" separately. Native speakers blend them together, so it sounds like "naschledanou" (in Bohemia) or "nazhledanou" (in Moravia).

Casual alternative:
You will often hear the shortened version nashle. This is a friendly, semi-formal goodbye used in everyday situations, like leaving a bakery or saying bye to colleagues. Unlike the full phrase, nashle is written as one word.

Important spelling rule:
Never write nashledanou as one word. Also, because of how it is pronounced, be careful not to spell it with a "c" (naschledanou or na schledanou). The Czech Language Institute considers these to be spelling errors. It must always be written as two words: na shledanou. To help remember this, use a helpful trick taught in Czech schools: you can insert an adjective between the two words, such as na brzkou shledanou (see you soon). This logically shows why they remain separate.

Not a final farewell:
Be careful not to confuse na shledanou with sbohem (farewell). While na shledanou implies you might see the person again, sbohem is a final goodbye used when you do not expect to see the person again.