Breakdown of Chcete studené mléko nebo teplý čaj?
chtít
to want
čaj
the tea
studený
cold
teplý
warm
mléko
the milk
vy
you
nebo
or
Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Czech grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Chcete studené mléko nebo teplý čaj?
What is the form and meaning of Chcete?
Chcete is the 2nd person plural (or polite singular) present tense of the verb chtít (to want). The subject vy (you) is implied, so it literally asks “Do you want…?”
Why are there no articles like the or a in this sentence?
Czech does not use articles. Definiteness and indefiniteness are understood from context. So studené mléko can be “cold milk,” “some cold milk,” or “the cold milk” depending on the situation.
What case and gender are studené mléko and teplý čaj in?
They are both direct objects in the accusative:
- mléko is a neuter noun; accusative singular neuter adjectives take -é (same as nominative).
- čaj is masculine inanimate; accusative singular inanimate adjectives take -ý (same as nominative).
Why isn’t there a comma before nebo?
When you list simple items, Czech does not use a comma before coordinating conjunctions like nebo (or). Commas are reserved for separating clauses, not short lists.
How would I ask this informally to a friend?
Switch to the ty form:
Chceš studené mléko nebo teplý čaj?
How do I pronounce Chcete studené mléko nebo teplý čaj?
IPA: /ˈxt͡ʃɛtɛ ˈstudɛnɛ ˈmlɛːko ˈnɛbo ˈtɛpli ˈtʃaj/
Rough English: KH-cheh-teh STOO-deh-neh ML-yeh-ko NEH-bo TEH-plee chy
Is there a more idiomatic way to offer drinks in a restaurant?
Yes. Servers often ask:
Dáte si studené mléko nebo teplý čaj?
This means “Will you have cold milk or hot tea?” and sounds more natural in a hospitality setting.