Meaning
Asking about someone's current activity.
Cultural Background
Poles often use 'Co robisz?' as a literal inquiry. If you ask this, be prepared for a detailed answer about their current task, rather than just a 'Not much'. Among young people, 'Co robisz?' is frequently shortened in texts to 'Co rob?' or replaced by 'Co tam?'. It's the primary way to check availability for gaming or hanging out. Even in modern startups, the 'Pan/Pani' boundary is respected until explicitly invited to use 'Ty'. Using 'Co robisz?' too early can stall your professional integration. In villages, 'Co robisz?' might still carry the older connotation of 'What work are you performing?', reflecting the agrarian roots of the verb.
Drop the 'Ty'
Don't say 'Co ty robisz?' unless you are surprised or angry. Just 'Co robisz?' is more natural.
Watch the Register
Never use this with your Polish mother-in-law unless she has explicitly asked you to use 'Ty'!
Meaning
Asking about someone's current activity.
Drop the 'Ty'
Don't say 'Co ty robisz?' unless you are surprised or angry. Just 'Co robisz?' is more natural.
Watch the Register
Never use this with your Polish mother-in-law unless she has explicitly asked you to use 'Ty'!
The 'Weekend' Bridge
Use 'Co robisz w weekend?' as the ultimate low-pressure way to ask someone out.
Expect Real Answers
If a Pole tells you they are 'cleaning the toilet,' don't be shocked. They are just answering your question literally!
Test Yourself
Complete the question for a friend.
Cześć Marek, co ______?
Since you are talking to Marek (informal 'you'), you use the 2nd person singular form 'robisz'.
You are talking to your boss. Which is correct?
How do you ask your boss what they are doing?
In a formal setting with a male boss, you must use 'Pan' and the 3rd person singular verb form.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Phrases: 1. Co robisz? 2. Co robicie? 3. Co Pani robi?
1 is singular informal, 2 is plural informal, 3 is singular formal (female).
Fill in the missing line.
A: Hej! ______ w sobotę? B: Nic, jestem wolny. Może pójdziemy do kina?
The context of 'Saturday' and 'being free' implies an inquiry about plans.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCześć Marek, co ______?
Since you are talking to Marek (informal 'you'), you use the 2nd person singular form 'robisz'.
How do you ask your boss what they are doing?
In a formal setting with a male boss, you must use 'Pan' and the 3rd person singular verb form.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
1 is singular informal, 2 is plural informal, 3 is singular formal (female).
A: Hej! ______ w sobotę? B: Nic, jestem wolny. Może pójdziemy do kina?
The context of 'Saturday' and 'being free' implies an inquiry about plans.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsOnly if used with someone you should address formally (like a teacher or stranger). With friends, it's perfectly polite.
Yes, but usually you add 'zawodowo' (professionally) to be clear: 'Co robisz zawodowo?'.
The plural is 'Co robicie?'. Use this when talking to two or more friends.
Answer with 'Ja' + verb, or just the verb: 'Czytam' (I'm reading), 'Oglądam TV' (I'm watching TV).
'Co porabiasz?' is slightly more casual and 'lighter,' like 'What are you up to?'.
Yes, but it sounds more emphatic, like 'What on earth are you doing?'.
Yes, it is probably one of the top 5 most sent text messages in Poland.
You say: 'Co Pani robi?'.
Yes, 'robić' means both 'to do' and 'to make'. Context tells you which one it is.
Yes, Polish 'r' is always rolled (alveolar trill).
No, that would be considered very aggressive or rude. Use 'Przepraszam...' first.
Usually, you can see them, but in writing, you use 'Państwo' (plural) or 'Pan/Pani'.
Related Phrases
Co porabiasz?
similarWhat are you up to?
Co słychać?
similarWhat's new? / How's it going?
Co tam?
synonymWhat's up?
Co Pan robi?
specialized formWhat are you doing? (Formal)
Co się dzieje?
similarWhat's happening?
