When conversing in any language, it’s essential to be able to ask someone what they are doing. In Hindi, there are various ways to express this question, depending on the level of formality and the regional context. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of asking “What are you doing?” in Hindi, while providing tips, examples, and addressing any regional variations when necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What Are You Doing?” in Hindi
If you wish to ask this question formally, you can use the following phrases:
- “Aap kya kar rahe hain?” – This is a common way to ask, but it is more appropriate when speaking to someone in a formal or respectable setting. The word “Aap” is a polite form of “you.”
- “Kripya bataiye, aap kya kar rahe hain?” – This phrase adds a polite request for the person to tell you what they are doing. You can use this when conversing with someone of higher authority or in a professional setting.
- “Aap kya kar rahe hai? Kuchh kaam?” – This question is suitable when speaking to someone older or in a higher position. “Kuchh kaam?” at the end implies that you would like to know if they are busy with any work.
Informal Ways to Say “What Are You Doing?” in Hindi
For informal or casual situations, you can use the following phrases:
- “Tum kya kar rahe ho?” – “Tum” is an informal way to say “you.” This is a casual way to ask “What are you doing?” to a friend or someone you are familiar with.
- “Kya kar rahe ho?” – This phrase is even more informal and can be used among close friends or peers.
- “Aur batao, kya chal raha hai?” – In this informal question, “Aur batao” means “tell me more.” It conveys a friendly tone as you ask what is happening or what the person is doing.
Regional Variations
Hindi, being a diverse language, has regional variations. However, the expressions mentioned above can be used throughout India without any confusion. Hindi is spoken in different parts of the country, including the Hindi belt, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, and more. Although some regional variations exist, the formal and informal phrases we’ve discussed are widely understood among Hindi speakers.
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and examples to help you understand and use these phrases correctly:
Tip: While speaking in Hindi, people often mix English words or phrases. However, it’s better to try and use the Hindi equivalents whenever possible.
Example 1 – Formal:
Person A: “Aap kya kar rahe hain?” (What are you doing?)
Person B: “Main apne office ki files taiyaar kar raha hoon.” (I am preparing my office files.)
Example 2 – Informal:
Person A: “Tum kya kar rahe ho?” (What are you doing?)
Person B: “Movie dekh raha hoon.” (I am watching a movie.)
Example 3 – Casual:
Person A: “Aur batao, kya chal raha hai?” (Tell me, what’s happening?)
Person B: “Kuchh nahi yaar, bas ghar pe bore ho raha hoon.” (Nothing much, just getting bored at home.)
By using these phrases and examples, you should be able to confidently ask someone what they are doing in Hindi, whether in formal or informal settings. Remember to match the phrase to the appropriate context and relationship.
In Conclusion
Effectively asking “What are you doing?” in Hindi is crucial for communication in various situations. In this guide, we explored formal and informal ways to express this question, provided tips, examples, and addressed regional variations where necessary. Remember to be mindful of the level of formality and context when using these phrases, ensuring a more natural and respectful conversation. Happy Hindi learning!
