Polish · Real conversations
How to respond to “Co słychać?” in Polish
A casual opening may invite a quick update rather than a literal explanation of what is above you.
What you might hear
Co słychać?
What's up?
Choose a reply that fits
Nic szczególnego. A u ciebie?
Not much. And you?
Keep it casual and return the question.
Idę do pracy.
I'm heading to work.
Mention what you are doing next.
Ostatnio mam dużo zajęć.
I've been busy with classes.
Share a short update about your recent activities.
Mam dobre wiadomości.
I have some good news.
Use when you have news you want to share.
Two short exchanges
A casual encounter
Co słychać?
What's up?
Nic szczególnego. A u ciebie?
Not much. And you?
Catching up with a friend
Co ostatnio robisz?
What have you been up to?
Idę do pracy.
I'm heading to work.
Your turn
Give a short update about being busy with classes.
Reveal a sample reply
Ostatnio mam dużo zajęć.
I've been busy with classes.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking Polish
Polish distinguishes familiar ty from polite pan and pani. Choose pan when addressing a man and pani when addressing a woman formally; the paired forms shown in examples are alternatives, so say one. A formal question usually uses a third-person verb, such as Czy może pan …? First-person past and conditional forms can change with the speaker’s gender.
Keep letters such as ą, ę, ł, ń, ó, ś, ź, and ż. Noun and adjective endings can change with their role in the sentence. Learn the complete expression before replacing a name, object, or time.
