Ahoj

Ahoj is a common informal greeting used in Czech, Slovak, and some other Central European languages. It is equivalent to “hello” or “hi” in English and is typically used among friends, family, and colleagues. The word comes from the Old Slavic phrase *ahoj* meaning “a shout” or “a call,” and it entered modern usage in the 19th century as part of the Czech National Revival.

The greeting is typically followed by the person’s name or a simple question such as *Jak se máš?* (How are you?). It can also be used as a farewell, similar to “goodbye” in casual settings. In written communication, *ahoj* is sometimes used in informal email or text messages, but it is not considered formal.

In addition to Czech and Slovak, *ahoj* has spread to other languages in the region, such as Polish (often spelled *haj* ), and it occasionally appears in other Eastern European languages as a borrowed greeting. The phrase is also popular among enthusiasts of the Czech and Slovak diaspora, who use it as a cultural signifier.

Because of its simple and friendly tone, *ahoj* is widely recognizable across Central Europe. Its usage is largely limited to informal contexts, and formal settings typically use greetings such as *Dobrý den* (good day) or *Pane/Paní* followed by a title.