Guide: How to Say “Hello, What Are You Doing?” in French

(Formal and Informal Ways, Including Regional Variations)

Introduction

Bonjour! French is a beautiful language spoken by millions of people around the world. If you are interested in learning how to say “hello, what are you doing?” in French, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to greet someone and ask about their activities. We will also provide insightful tips, examples, and even touch upon some regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive in!

Formal Greetings

When addressing someone formally, it is important to show respect and use appropriate language. Here are some formal ways to say “hello, what are you doing?” in French:

1. “Bonjour, que faites-vous?” – This is a standard formal greeting, and it literally translates to “Hello, what are you doing?” It is commonly used in professional settings or when speaking to someone older or in a position of authority.
2. “Bonjour, comment allez-vous et que faites-vous?” – This greeting includes an additional question, “How are you,” to show further politeness and interest. It can be used when you want to inquire about someone’s well-being along with their activities.

Informal Greetings

When addressing friends, family, or people your own age, you can use more casual language. Here are some informal ways to say “hello, what are you doing?” in French:

1. “Salut, qu’est-ce que tu fais?” – This is a commonly used informal greeting among friends. “Salut” is an informal way to say “hello,” and “qu’est-ce que tu fais” translates to “what are you doing?”
2. “Coucou, quoi de neuf?” – “Coucou” is a casual way of saying “hello” among close friends, and “quoi de neuf” means “what’s up?” It’s a more laid-back way to inquire about someone’s activities.

Tips for Usage

Here are some helpful tips to enhance your understanding and usage of these greetings:

• Pronunciation: Pay attention to the pronunciation of each word. You can take help of online resources or language apps to practice the correct pronunciation.
• Tone and Intonation: French is a melodic language, so make sure to use the appropriate tone and intonation while greeting someone. It will add warmth and authenticity to your words.
• Context Matters: Consider the context in which you are using the greetings. Take cues from the people around you or the situation to decide whether to use a formal or informal greeting.
• Regional Variations: French is spoken in various countries, and there may be slight regional variations in greetings. For example, in Canada, you may hear “Salut, qu’est-ce tu fais?” instead of “Salut, qu’est-ce que tu fais?” Be open to slight adaptations depending on the region you are in.

Examples

Let’s look at some examples to help you understand how to use these greetings:

Formal:

Teacher: Bonjour, que faites-vous?

Student: Bonjour, je prépare un exposé pour demain. Et vous?

Teacher: Je corrige des devoirs. Bonne chance avec votre exposé!

Informal:

Friend 1: Salut, qu’est-ce que tu fais?

Friend 2: Coucou! Je regarde un nouveau film sur Netflix. Et toi?

Friend 1: Moi aussi! On pourrait le regarder ensemble?

Conclusion

Learning how to say “hello, what are you doing?” in French opens up exciting opportunities to connect with French speakers around the world. Whether you prefer a formal or informal approach, remember to use the appropriate greetings based on the context and your relationship with the person you are addressing. Practice, be confident, and enjoy the process of mastering this beautiful language! Bonne chance!