neformální

Neformální is a Czech adjective meaning not formal, casual, or unconstrained. It describes things, people, or contexts that are relaxed or unofficial in nature, in contrast to formální (formal) or oficiální (official). The term is widely used in everyday language as well as in sociolinguistics, education, and culture to indicate a lower degree of ceremony, rules, or hierarchy.

Etymology and forms: neformální is formed from the prefix ne- meaning "not" plus formální (from Latin formalis). The related adverb is neformálně, and the corresponding noun form is neformálnost (informality). In Czech, neformální is typically used for both linguistic register and social or procedural settings, with nuance depending on context. It is distinct from neoficiální, which means unofficial in the sense of not having formal authorization or recognition.

Usage: In language, neformální jazyk or neformální komunikace refers to casual speech and a relaxed tone, often with fewer formalities and honorifics. In social and professional life, neformální setkání or neformální prostředí describes gatherings or environments without strict rules or dress codes. The term also appears in education and policy as neformální vzdělávání, describing learning outside formal schooling, such as community programs or workshops.

See also: formální, neoficiální, neformálnost. The concept is widely recognized in Czech-speaking contexts and is used across education, culture, and everyday discourse to denote a lack of formal structure or ritual.