co děláš?
The English phrase "what are you doing?" is translated into Czech as co děláš?
This phrase is used to ask someone about their current activity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of co (what) and děláš (you do/are doing).
Which one should you use?
Czech does not distinguish between the present continuous ("what are you doing?") and the simple present ("what do you do?") in this verb form.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the form co děláš? when speaking to a friend, a child or someone you are on a first-name basis with. Use the form co děláte? when speaking to someone you do not know well, an elder or a group of people.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'doing' to ask about an action, the Czech verb dělat can also mean 'to make' or 'to manufacture' something, such as a cake or a mistake.
- In some Czech slang contexts, if someone asks co děláš?, they might actually be asking 'What's up?' rather than inquiring about a specific physical task.
- The word co is inherited from the Old Czech word čso.
Examples in context
- Ahoj, co děláš?Hi, what are you doing?
Example conversation
Jakub calls Kateřina while she is busy at home.
- JakubAhoj Kateřino, co děláš?Hi Kateřina, what are you doing?
- KateřinaTeď jen čtu knihu.I am just reading a book right now.
- JakubMáš čas na krátký telefonát?Do you have time for a quick call?
- KateřinaAno, můžeme si popovídat.Yes, we can chat.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries co, CC BY-SA 4.0.
