¿estás cocinando?
The English phrase 'are you cooking?' is translated into Spanish as ¿estás cocinando?
This phrase is used to ask if someone is currently in the process of preparing food.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase estás cocinando is constructed using the verb estar (to be) and the gerund cocinando (cooking) to form the present continuous tense.
Which one should you use?
While ¿estás cocinando? emphasizes an action happening right now, the simple present ¿cocinas? can also be used to ask if someone is currently cooking or if they cook in general.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use ¿está cocinando? instead of ¿estás cocinando? when addressing someone with the formal usted.
Did you know?
- The verb cocinar is related to the Latin word coquere, which is also the root of the English word 'concoct'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, if you ask ¿estás cocinando? while visiting someone, it may be interpreted as a hint that you are hungry or expecting a meal soon.
- While ¿estás cocinando? is literal, Spanish speakers often use the phrase ¿qué hay de comer? meaning 'what is there to eat?' to ask if food is being prepared.
Example conversation
María calls Mateo while he is in the kitchen.
- MaríaHola Mateo, ¿estás cocinando?Hi Mateo, are you cooking?
- MateoSí, estoy haciendo pasta.Yes, I am making pasta.
- MaríaQué bien, yo voy para allá.That's great, I'm heading over there.
- MateoTe espero entonces.I'll wait for you then.
