What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of як (how) and справи (affairs, matters or business).
Which one should you use?
While як справи? is a standard way to ask how things are, you might also encounter як ти? when asking a single friend how they are or Як сам? among peers to show personal interest.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Як справи? is suitable for casual conversations with friends, colleagues or acquaintances. For a polite and formal version used with older individuals or in professional settings, use Як ви поживаєте?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Western Ukraine, people might say Як живеш? instead of як справи?
How does it change in a sentence?
The word справи is the plural form of справа, which is why the phrase translates more naturally as "how are things?" or "how are matters?" rather than "how is affair?"
How do you pronounce it?
yak spravy?
When do people say it?
Common and natural responses to як справи? include добре, дякую. (good, thank you) or the neutral непогано. (not bad).
Did you know?
- The word як may have distant roots tracing back to the Tibetan word གཡག via Proto-Sino-Tibetan.
- Unlike the English 'how are you?', which is often a formality, it is common for Ukrainians to provide a more honest account of their situation when asked як справи?
- The word справи in як справи? also refers to legal cases or court proceedings in a professional context.
Examples in context
- Привіт, як справи?Pryvit, yak spravy?Hi, how are you?
Example conversation
Olena and Serhiy meet at a cafe.
- Дмитро DmytroПривіт, Сергію! Як справи?Pryvit, Serhiyu! Yak spravy?Hi, Serhiy! How are you?
- Марія MariiaПривіт! У мене все добре, дякую.Pryvit! U mene vse dobre, diakuyu.Hi! I am doing well, thank you.
- Дмитро DmytroЯ рада це чути.Ya rada tse chuty.I am glad to hear that.
- Марія MariiaА як у тебе справи?A yak u tebe spravy?And how are you doing?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries як, CC BY-SA 4.0.
