What does it mean word for word?
The part ce mai faci? literally translates to "what else are you doing?", but it is the standard way to ask "how are you?"
Which one should you use?
While ce mai faci? is used for one person you know well, you should use ce mai faceți? when addressing a group or when you want to be formal with one person.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more polite and formal version used with strangers, elders or in professional settings, use Bună ziua, ce mai faceți? Other informal variations include Ce mai faci? (How are you doing?) and Cum îți merge? (How is it going?).
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regional variations exist in Romania: in Moldavia, you might hear Bună, ce faci?, in Transylvania you might hear Ce mai zici? and in Muntenia you might hear Ce mai faci?
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase ce mai faci?, the verb a face (to do/make) is used in the second person singular form faci to ask about a person's state of being.
When do people say it?
When someone asks you ce mai faci?, a common response is Bine, mulțumesc! (Fine, thank you!). If you are doing very well, you can respond with Foarte bine. (Very well.).
Did you know?
- In Romanian culture, responding Bine, mulțumesc! is standard, but people may follow it with a detailed account of their day even if the question was just a polite formality.
- The word ce shares the same ancient Proto-Indo-European roots as the English word 'what'.
- In Transylvania, people often use Ce mai zici? instead of Ce mai faci?, which literally translates to 'what more are you saying?'
Examples in context
- Bună, ce mai faci?Hello, how are you?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bună, ce, mai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
