Buenos días! Are you looking to learn how to say “Que haces” in Spanish? Whether you want to greet someone in an informal or formal setting, this guide has got you covered. In this article, we will explore various ways to express “What are you doing?” in Spanish. So, let’s dive right in and explore the different options, tips, and examples!
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Formal Ways to Say “Que Haces”
In a formal setting such as a business meeting, when speaking to someone older, or in any situation that requires a higher level of respect, you can use the following phrases:
- ¿Qué está haciendo? – This is the most formal way to ask “What are you doing?” in Spanish. It uses the verb “estar” conjugated in the third person singular form, accompanied by the gerund (ending in -ando or -iendo) of the verb “hacer.” For example, “Hola, señor. ¿Qué está haciendo?” (Hello, sir. What are you doing?)
- ¿En qué estás ocupado/a? – This phrase translates to “What are you busy with?” and can be used when you want to inquire about someone’s current activities in a polite manner. Remember to adjust the gender of “ocupado/a” depending on the person you are speaking to. For instance, “Disculpe, señora. ¿En qué está ocupada?” (Excuse me, ma’am. What are you busy with?)
- ¿A qué se dedica? – If you want to ask someone about their occupation or profession, this phrase is a polite way to do so. It translates to “What do you do?” or more literally, “To what do you dedicate yourself?” Use the appropriate form of “dedicarse” depending on the person’s gender. For example, “Permítame preguntarle, ¿a qué se dedica usted?” (Allow me to ask, what do you do?)
Informal Ways to Say “Que Haces”
When it comes to informal settings or chatting with friends, you can use more casual expressions to ask “What are you doing?”. Here are some popular options:
- ¿Qué haces? – This is the direct translation of “What are you doing?” and is commonly used among friends, family, or in casual situations. For example, “¡Hola! ¿Qué haces este fin de semana?” (Hi! What are you doing this weekend?)
- ¿En qué andas? – This phrase is similar to “What are you up to?” in English. It’s a more relaxed way to ask about someone’s current activities. “En qué andas” literally means “What are you walking around in?” but is commonly used to ask what someone is generally doing. For instance, “Oye, ¿en qué andas?” (Hey, what are you up to?)
- ¿Qué estás haciendo? – Although this phrase is slightly more formal, it can also be used in informal contexts without sounding too rigid. It is essentially the same as “What are you doing?” in English. For example, “Ey, ¿qué estás haciendo ahora?” (Hey, what are you doing right now?)
Tips and Examples
To help you master the phrase “Que haces” in Spanish, here are some extra tips and examples:
TIP: Pay attention to the verb tense and formality level depending on the situation. Use the phrases mentioned above accordingly.
Example 1: You are at a business conference, and you want to greet a colleague:
Formal: “Buenos días, señor. ¿Qué está haciendo?” (Good morning, sir. What are you doing?)
Example 2: You are catching up with a close friend over coffee:
Informal: “Hola, ¿qué haces estos días?” (Hi, what are you doing these days?)
Example 3: You are at a family gathering and want to chat with your younger cousin:
Informal: “Oye, ¿en qué andas?” (Hey, what are you up to?)
Example 4: You are engaging in a casual conversation with a colleague at work:
Informal/Formal: “Hola, ¿qué estás haciendo ahora?” (Hi, what are you doing now?)
Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken in various countries, and while most phrases are universally understood, there might be some regional variations. However, when it comes to “Que haces,” it is widely used across different Spanish-speaking regions without significant variations.
Remember, the key to effective communication in any language is not only the words used but also the non-verbal cues, tone, and context. So, adapt your expressions accordingly and keep practicing!
¡Hasta luego! (See you later!)
