Language /
czym... in the transport context [24]
Some good explanations above, and indeed "czym" is an Instrumental case of "coś".
So just add a few more examples:
- with what, by what means - czym jedziesz do Poznania?
- used in expressions about the nature of objects: Czym ty jestes? - a question suggesting a derogatory answer. For instance, when criticising someone's immoral behavior you may say: Czym ty jesteś? Zlodziejem? (Who are you? A thief!). However, "kim" would be correct here too, and without giving up too much of the derogatory intent.
-
Czym wiecej wiem,
tym mniej rozumiem (
The more I know,
the less I understand)
-
przy czym - while at the same time. For instance: On jest zdolny przy czym bardzo skromny. (He's smart/gifted while at the same time very modest).
- Czym sie martwisz? What are you worried about? (as opposed to what worries you, which would be
co cię martwi?)
Nad czym się tak zastanawiasz? - What are you thinking
about (so hard).
Sould be enough for now, eh?
Oh. I'd forget:
Sometimes you may hear what will sound to you as: "czym się". This is not uncommon, and it's kinda slang/collogialism of "
trzymaj się", i.e hold on, keep on going, bye, later and such. Notice
trzym (grammatically incorrect) is somwhat close in pronounciation to
czym.
