co robisz?
The English phrase "what are you doing?" is translated into Polish as co robisz?
This phrase is used to ask someone about their current activity or to inquire about their general plans.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of co, meaning "what" and robisz, meaning "you do" or "are doing".
Which one should you use?
Co robisz? is the version used for informal situations, while the formal version is expressed as Co Pan/Pani robi?
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking formally, you should use co pan robi? if you are addressing a man or co pani robi? if you are addressing a woman.
Did you know?
- While co robisz? asks about an activity, the phrase co robisz? can also be used as a sharp rebuke or an expression of disbelief when someone is doing something wrong or shocking.
- The word robisz comes from the verb robić, which is used not only for 'doing' but also for 'making' or 'manufacturing' an object.
- The word co is a descendant of the Proto-Indo-European root *kʷ-, which is the same ancient ancestor that gave English the word 'what'.
Examples in context
- Hej! Co robisz dzisiaj wieczorem?Hey! What are you doing tonight?
Example conversation
Anna calls Piotr on his mobile phone.
- AnnaCześć Piotr, co robisz?Hi Piotr, what are you doing?
- PiotrNic specjalnego, po prostu odpoczywam.Nothing special, I am just resting.
- AnnaChciałam zapytać, czy masz czas na kawę.I wanted to ask if you have time for coffee.
- PiotrJasne, chętnie się z tobą spotkam.Sure, I would love to meet you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries co, CC BY-SA 4.0.
