The formal and informal form in Slovak - Using greetings

Many of the same phrases that we use in English for greeting others throughout the day also exist in Slovak. The primary difference is that in Slovak one has to differentiate between whether the person can be greeted in the informal way or not.

Informal greetings are used for those that you know well - generally, friends, neighbours, all children and family. Formal greetings should be used for those who are older than you, are not considered to be close friends or family, or are for example in higher positions or in positions that require a formal relationship e.g. a student speaking to a professor at university. 

Examples

• Formal: Ako sa máte? Ďakujem, dobre. A vy?
• Informal: Ako sa máš? , dobre. A ty?
• Plural: Ako sa máte? Ďakujem, dobre. A vy?

These all mean: How are you? I am fine thanks. And you?

The key differences between the formal and informal is the declination of the verb (mať - to have). The ending -te indicates that the verb is being used either as a plural or in the formal form.

If in doubt, use the formal form!

Some other useful Slovak phrases can be found here on omniglot.