How to say please and thanyou and other phrases in Slovakian?

Question

Im off to Bratislava next week and Ive heard (mostly though trip advisory sites) that the locals are less than welcoming towards the Brits, especially thos in Stag Parties. Ive heard if you at least try and speak their language, they will be more welcoming (which is fair enough).........

Can anyone tell me basic slovak phrases (and how to pronounce them) like "please" and "thankyou" and more importantly, "4 beers please"...........

Also any general travel tips in Bratislava, I know the taxis are to be avoided or at best, a price agreed before travelling, but anything else that will help this stag do go off well and avoid trouble which is being reported all over the net........

Thanks

Answer 1

What you have heard is true - people in Bratislava are fed up with Brits flying in for stag parties. Living in Bratislava, I personally doubt they would change their minds only because you would try to speak Slovak, but in case you are interested, find the requested info below, with an attempt to provide some guide to the pronunciation:

Please - Prosím (should sound like "Proseem")

Thank you - Ďakujem (should sound like "Diakhuiem")

4 beers please - Prosím si štyri pivá (should sound like "Proseem see shtyri peevaa")

You can find some more info here:

http://www.imhd.sk/ba/index.php?w=2f2b33...

On the taxis - you should definitely avoid taxis waiting at the airport, bus station or train stations. Remember that calling for a taxi by phone is significantly cheaper than taking one from the street. Not all taxi drivers are friendly with drunk passengers. I personally use two or three taxi services, the form below will work fine for you with a mobile phone:

Caribic's Taxi - [phone]

Hello Taxi - [phone]

Fun Taxi - [phone]