hej, co tam?
/ˈxɛj ˈt͡sɔ ˈtam/word by word
The English phrase "hey, how are you?" is translated into Polish as hej, co tam?
This phrase is an informal greeting used to ask someone how they are doing. While jak się masz also translates to "how are you",
What does it mean word for word?
The part co tam? literally translates to "what's there?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase hej, co tam? is highly informal and should only be used with friends or peers. For a formal situation, such as addressing a woman, you might say Dzień dobry, jak się miewa Pani? (Good day, how are you, madam?). Another informal option is Cześć, jak się masz? (Hey, how are you?).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxɛj ˈtsɔ ˈtam/
When do people say it?
In Poland, it is common to accompany greetings with a handshake, especially in formal settings. When someone asks you co tam?, a natural response is Wszystko w porządku (Everything is fine).
Did you know?
- Depending on the tone, co tam? can be used as a way to prompt someone to share a specific piece of gossip or news they are hiding.
- In very casual settings, the response to co tam? is often just a, nic which means 'oh, nothing'.
- In Poland, asking co tam? is often treated as a rhetorical greeting rather than a genuine inquiry into someone's life.
Examples in context
- Hej, co tam u ciebie?Hey, how are things with you?
- Hej, co tam?Hey, how are you?
Example conversation
Anna and Tomasz meet unexpectedly at a cafe.
- AnnaTomasz! Hej, co tam?Tomasz! Hey, how are you?
- TomaszCześć Anna! Wszystko w porządku, a u ciebie?Hi Anna! Everything is fine, and with you?
- AnnaTeż dobrze, właśnie piję kawę.Good too, I'm just drinking coffee.
- TomaszSuper, miło cię było spotkać!Great, it was nice to meet you!
