Bedeutung
An informal question about someone's current activity.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Slovaks often answer 'Čo robíš?' with 'Ale, nič' (Oh, nothing) even if they are busy. it's a form of modesty. The transition from 'vykanie' (formal) to 'tykanie' (informal) is a big deal. Don't use 'Čo robíš?' until you've been invited to 'tykať'. In rural areas, 'Čo robíš?' almost always implies physical work or chores. On social media, 'Čo robkáš?' is a cute, diminutive version used by girls or couples.
The 'Ty' Rule
Always remember that 'robíš' implies 'ty'. If you aren't on 'tykanie' terms, you'll sound like a teenager talking to an adult.
Tone Matters
A rising intonation makes it a friendly question. A flat or falling intonation can make it sound like a demand or an accusation.
Bedeutung
An informal question about someone's current activity.
The 'Ty' Rule
Always remember that 'robíš' implies 'ty'. If you aren't on 'tykanie' terms, you'll sound like a teenager talking to an adult.
Tone Matters
A rising intonation makes it a friendly question. A flat or falling intonation can make it sound like a demand or an accusation.
The 'Vlastne' Add-on
Add 'vlastne' (actually/exactly) to sound more native: 'Čo vlastne robíš?'
Modest Answers
Don't be surprised if people answer 'Nič' (Nothing). It's just a way to keep the conversation light.
Teste dich selbst
You are talking to your best friend. Which one is correct?
Ahoj, ____?
'Čo robíš' is the informal form for 'you' (singular), perfect for a best friend.
Complete the sentence to ask 'What are you doing here?'
Čo ___ robíš?
'Tu' means 'here'. 'Čo tu robíš?' is a very common phrase.
Fill in the missing line.
Peter: Čo robíš? Zuzana: ________.
Zuzana needs to answer with an activity. 'Práve čítam knihu' means 'I am reading a book right now'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Čo robíš? / 2. Čo robíte?
Informal 'robíš' for family, formal 'robíte' for superiors.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Informal vs Formal
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenAhoj, ____?
'Čo robíš' is the informal form for 'you' (singular), perfect for a best friend.
Čo ___ robíš?
'Tu' means 'here'. 'Čo tu robíš?' is a very common phrase.
Peter: Čo robíš? Zuzana: ________.
Zuzana needs to answer with an activity. 'Práve čítam knihu' means 'I am reading a book right now'.
1. Čo robíš? / 2. Čo robíte?
Informal 'robíš' for family, formal 'robíte' for superiors.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
14 FragenYes, it is very common in casual settings. Context will tell if you mean 'now' or 'professionally'.
Only if used with someone you should be formal with (like a stranger or a boss).
'Robiť' is the process (doing), 'urobiť' is the completed action (to have done).
Say 'Nič' or 'Len tak oddychujem' (Just resting).
Yes, but it adds emphasis on the 'you', like 'What about YOU, what are you doing?'.
Yes, 'Čo riešiš?' is common among young people.
Yes, Slovak doesn't distinguish between 'do' and 'make' like English does.
Use the plural: 'Čo robíte?'.
It's a more casual, slightly old-fashioned but common way to say 'What are you up to?'.
Only if the email is to a close friend. Otherwise, use a formal greeting.
Yes, like most Slavic 'r' sounds, it is a tip-of-the-tongue trill.
It means 'What are you doing here?' and is used when meeting someone unexpectedly.
No, it's very 'cutesy' and mostly used by children, couples, or in very informal texting.
For a male: 'Čo si robil?'. For a female: 'Čo si robila?'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Čo robíte?
specialized formWhat are you doing? (Formal/Plural)
Čo porábaš?
similarWhat are you up to?
Čo sa deje?
similarWhat's happening?
Čo riešiš?
slangWhat's your problem? / What are you dealing with?
Ako sa máš?
similarHow are you?
Čo máš nové?
similarWhat's new?
