díky

Díky is an informal Czech expression used to express gratitude, roughly equivalent to "thanks" or "thank you." It is derived from the colloquial noun dík and functions as a casual alternative to the formal děkuji. In everyday speech and informal writing, díky is common on its own or as part of a larger phrase that specifies what one is thankful for.

Common constructions include Díky za pomoc (Thanks for the help) and Díky tobě (Thanks to you). The phrase can be intensified with moc: Díky moc or obrovské díky. It can also appear with a light ironic or humorous tone in certain contexts, such as when sarcasm is intended.

Usage and register: Díky is appropriate among friends, family, and colleagues in casual settings. In formal or official contexts, děkuji or děkuji vám is preferred. The expression is widely understood in Czech-speaking regions; in Slovak, the standard equivalent is vďaka, not díky.

Pronunciation and form: Díky is pronounced roughly as "dee-kee," with the first syllable bearing the primary emphasis. Grammatically, díky can function as a stand-alone interjection or as part of phrases like Díky za… to express gratitude for a specific thing.

Etymology: The word díky comes from the informal dík (thanks), with the -y form arising in everyday speech as a common colloquial variant used as an interjection or noun phrase meaning "thanks."