bonjour, que fais-tu ?
In French, "hello, what are you doing?" is expressed as bonjour, que fais-tu ?
This phrase is used as a greeting to start a conversation while simultaneously inquiring about a person's current activity.
Which one should you use?
The form que faites-vous ? is used instead of que fais-tu ? when you are speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people. For a more relaxed tone in very casual settings, you can replace the greeting with salut and use the phrase tu fais quoi ?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase Bonjour, que faites-vous? is a standard formal way to express this greeting. Conversely, Salut, qu'est-ce que tu fais? is a common informal way to say it. In very casual settings with friends, you might also use salut, tu fais quoi ?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canada, you may hear the variation Salut, qu'est-ce tu fais? instead of Salut, qu'est-ce que tu fais?
Did you know?
- In France, failing to say bonjour before asking que fais-tu ? can be perceived as surprisingly rude or aggressive, even in casual settings.
- The French word jour is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'journey', as both stem from the idea of a day's passage.
- The word bonjour is a compound of 'good' and 'day', which is why it is used both as a greeting and a way to say 'have a good day' in certain contexts.
Example conversation
Hugo sees Manon in the kitchen.
- HugoBonjour, que fais-tu ?Hello, what are you doing?
- ManonJe prépare le dîner, Hugo.I am preparing dinner, Hugo.
- HugoEst-ce que je peux t'aider ?Can I help you?
- ManonOui, s'il te plaît.Yes, please.
