Czech language lesson from my 4-year-old daughter.

The other day, my daughter found my bike helmet. She came to ask me what it was, and I told her, “That’s my bike helmet.”

She went to our Peruvian nanny and wanted to say the same thing in Spanish because that's the language they use.

But there was one problem: she didn’t know the Spanish word for “bike.”

So she said:

“Es de mamá y es para kolo.” (It’s mommy’s and it’s for a “kolo“)

Our nanny replied:

“Aa, para una bicicleta?” (Oh, for a bicycle?)

And my daughter:

“Sí, para una bicicleta.” (Yes, for a bicycle.)

I loved seeing how wonderfully she managed the situation. She didn't know the Spanish word. But she didn't freeze, she didn't stop, she didn't worry about making a mistake or feeling stupid. 

She just used a Czech word right in the middle of the Spanish sentence. She simply used what she knew. She used what she had. 

This is how kids use language. They stay focused on the goal: 

Connection.

So today, I want to remind you: 

🟡 Don’t let perfection stop you from using your Czech.

🟡 Don’t wait until you know all the words.

🟡 Don’t be afraid to mix in English or your own language when you need to.

🟡 Don’t worry about sounding silly or “getting it wrong.”

Because the goal is human connection and not perfection. And the more you do it, the better it gets. 

Let's be more like children: 

Curious, fearless, and focused on connection. And not on knowing everything.

Just try to say what you want to say, with whatever tools you’ve got. And trust me, when you do, people understand you. And that feeling is worth it. 

And if you feel stuck with your Czech or are unsure how to move forward, send me a message and let's talk - I’d love to help.

Eliška 😊

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

⭐ As a Czech language teacher and coach, I help expats in the Czech Republic speak Czech with confidence and joy, making them feel truly at home in their Czech community.

⭐ Join my 1:1 lessons, group courses, or online programs.

Let’s connect on LinkedIn if you’re living in the Czech Republic and learning Czech.