What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "what are you doing?", but as a greeting it simply asks how the other person is.
Which one should you use?
Πώς είσαι is a synonymous way to ask "How are you?" Τι κάνεις ρε is a casual and relaxed version used among friends. Πώς είστε and Τι κάνετε are the formal ways to ask.
How does it change in a sentence?
τι κάνεις addresses one person informally. When you speak to a group of people, or use the formal "you", change it to τι κάνετε.
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced ti káneis?, with the stress on the second syllable of the verb.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use τι κάνεις with an elder or a stranger, where the formal τι κάνετε is expected. Also remember that it is a greeting, so the person usually answers about how they feel, not about what they are doing right now.
When do people say it?
A common response is Καλά, ευχαριστώ, which means "Fine, thank you."
Did you know?
- The word τι is a descendant of the Proto-Indo-European root *kʷís, which is also the distant ancestor of the English word 'who'.
Examples in context
- Τι κάνεις. Πάμε καφέ μετά;How are you? Let's grab a coffee later?
- Γεια σου, τι κάνεις;Geia sou, ti kaneis;Hello, how are you doing?
- Τι κάνεις. Όλα καλά;Ti kaneis? Ola kala;How are you doing? Is everything good?
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΓεια σου Ελένη, τι κάνεις;Ya sou Eleni, ti kanis?Hello Eleni, how are you doing?
- Ελένη EleniΚαλά είμαι, Δημήτρη. Εσύ;Kala imai, Dimitri. Esi?I am doing well, Dimitris. And you?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚι εγώ καλά, ευχαριστώ.Ki ego kala, efcharisto.I am doing well too, thank you.
- Ελένη EleniΧαίρομαι πολύ!Charomai poly!I am very glad!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries τι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
