Signification
Casual way to address a friend
Contexte culturel
Slovaks are generally formal with strangers, but once you are 'kámo', the social barriers drop completely. It's a sign of being 'in'. In the capital, 'kámo' is often used with a very long 'á' and a specific 'cool' intonation, influenced by the city's proximity to Vienna and Prague. In the east, you might hear 'kamo' with a short 'a' or even 'pánko' (little lord) used ironically in similar contexts. Rappers like Rytmus have popularized 'kámo' and its variations, cementing them as symbols of urban toughness and authenticity.
The Intonation Matters
If you say 'kámo' with a rising intonation, it sounds like a question or disbelief. With a falling intonation, it's a friendly greeting.
Gender Neutrality
While 'kámo' is mostly used by men, don't be surprised if you hear a girl call her female friend 'kámo'—it's a sign of a very close, casual bond.
Signification
Casual way to address a friend
The Intonation Matters
If you say 'kámo' with a rising intonation, it sounds like a question or disbelief. With a falling intonation, it's a friendly greeting.
Gender Neutrality
While 'kámo' is mostly used by men, don't be surprised if you hear a girl call her female friend 'kámo'—it's a sign of a very close, casual bond.
The 'Ty' Rule
Only use 'kámo' if you have already agreed to use 'ty' (informal you) with the person.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct slang address.
Ahoj ____, ako sa máš?
Kámo is the correct informal address for a friend.
Which situation is appropriate for using 'kámo'?
Where can you say 'Kámo'?
Kámo is strictly informal slang.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural slang reaction.
Peter: 'Vyhral som v lotérii!' Marek: '____, to nie je možné!'
Kámo is used here as an exclamation of surprise.
Match the Slovak phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all related terms for friendship in Slovak.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use Kámo
Safe
- • Best friends
- • Siblings
- • Video games
- • Parties
Risky
- • Colleagues
- • Waiters
- • Older cousins
Danger
- • Bosses
- • Teachers
- • Police
- • Grandparents
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAhoj ____, ako sa máš?
Kámo is the correct informal address for a friend.
Where can you say 'Kámo'?
Kámo is strictly informal slang.
Peter: 'Vyhral som v lotérii!' Marek: '____, to nie je možné!'
Kámo is used here as an exclamation of surprise.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all related terms for friendship in Slovak.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsIt's not rude among friends, but it's very rude if used with a stranger or a superior.
Yes, especially in younger generations, though 'kámoška' is the specific feminine form.
'Kámo' is 'dude', while 'brácho' is 'bro'. 'Brácho' implies a slightly closer, more 'brotherly' bond.
Only in very informal writing, like text messages or social media comments.
The plural address is usually 'kámoši' (Dudes/Guys).
It's a slang word. It's not in the official dictionary as a standard term, but it's in the dictionary of slang.
The long 'á' is a stylistic choice in slang that emphasizes the word, likely influenced by Czech pronunciation.
It's better to say 'môj kamoš'. 'Kámo' is mostly for calling someone directly.
Yes, but it's most prevalent in cities and among people under 40.
Unless your boss is your best friend and you have a very casual relationship, don't do it. It's unprofessional.
The formal version is simply not using a slang address, or using 'pán' (Sir) + surname.
It's a short, clean 'o', never a diphthong like in the English 'no'.
Exactly! It's the perfect equivalent to 'mate'.
Only if you are both young and in a very casual setting (like a skate park). Otherwise, use 'Prepáčte' (Excuse me).
Expressions liées
kamoš
similarBuddy/pal
brácho
similarBro
ty vole
similarYou ox (Dude/Damn)
priateľ
formal equivalentFriend/Boyfriend
čávo
slangGuy/Fellow
