ahoj, ako sa máš?
ahoj, ako sa máš? is the Slovak way to say "hi, how are you".
This phrase is a casual greeting used to ask someone about their well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ako sa máš? literally translates to "how are you having yourself?" because of the reflexive pronoun sa.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ahoj, ako sa máš? is an informal expression. While ahoj is an informal greeting used among friends and peers, you should use Dobrý deň for a standard formal greeting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The part ako sa máš? is the singular informal version, which is used when speaking to one friend, a family member or a child.
When do people say it?
When someone greets you with this phrase informally, a common response is Dobre, ďakujem. A ty? which means "Fine, thank you. And you?"
Did you know?
- The greeting ahoj is actually a nautical stowaway from English. It was borrowed from the English maritime call 'ahoy' and is not an indigenous Slavic word.
- While ahoj is used to say 'hi', it is also commonly used as a way to say 'bye' when leaving.
- A response to ako sa máš? can be a simple ide to, which literally means 'it goes' and implies that life is just getting by.
Example conversation
Jakub and Barbora meet unexpectedly on the street.
- JakubAhoj, ako sa máš?Hi, how are you?
- BarboraAhoj, mám sa veľmi dobre.Hi, I am doing very well.
- JakubTo ma teší, Barbora.I am glad to hear that, Barbora.
- BarboraĎakujem, Jakub.Thank you, Jakub.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ahoj, ako, sa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
