Greetings! If you’re looking to expand your Spanish vocabulary and learn how to ask the classic question, “What are you doing?” you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express this question in Spanish. While regional variations exist, we’ll focus primarily on universal forms. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Ask “What Are You Doing?”
When addressing someone in a formal setting or showing respect to your elders, bosses, or people of authority, utilize the following phrases:
- ¿Qué está haciendo? (keh es-TAH ah-see-EN-doh) – This phrase literally translates to “What are you doing?” and is the standard formal version.
- ¿En qué anda? (en keh AN-dah) – Used primarily in Latin America, this phrase is also suitable for formal situations. It translates to “What are you up to?”
- ¿Cuál es su ocupación en este momento? (KWAHL es soo oh-koo-pah-see-ON en ES-te mo-MEN-to) – This more elaborate phrase means “What is your occupation at the moment?” and is especially appropriate in professional settings.
Informal Ways to Ask “What Are You Doing?”
When interacting with friends, family, or in informal settings, the following expressions are commonly used:
- ¿Qué haces? (keh AH-sehs) – The most straightforward and commonly used phrase for asking “What are you doing?” informally.
- ¿Qué estás haciendo? (keh es-TAHS ah-see-EN-doh) – Similar to the previous phrase but adds emphasis and may indicate curiosity or surprise.
- ¿En qué estás? (en keh es-TAHS) – This informal phrase translates to “What are you up to?” and is often used to ask about someone’s current activities.
Tips and Examples to Enhance Your Communication
Now that we have covered the main phrases, let’s explore some tips and examples to help you master the art of asking “What are you doing?” in Spanish:
1. Use non-verbal cues for context
In some situations, non-verbal cues can help provide context and make your question more precise. For example, if you notice someone reading a book, you may ask:
¿Qué libro estás leyendo? (keh LEE-bro es-TAHS ley-EN-doh) – What book are you reading?
This technique demonstrates your interest and creates a smoother conversation flow.
2. Be aware of regional variations
While we are primarily focusing on universal expressions, it’s worth mentioning that regional variations exist in the Spanish-speaking world. For instance, in some Latin American countries, the local slang may influence the choice of words. However, rest assured that the phrases provided here are widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions.
3. Adapt your phrasing for specific scenarios
In different settings or scenarios, you might want to slightly alter the question. Here are a few examples:
- ¿Qué estás haciendo ahora mismo? (keh es-TAHS ah-see-EN-doh a-GOH-rah MEESS-moh) – What are you doing right now?
- ¿Qué estás haciendo ahí? (keh es-TAHS ah-see-EN-doh AH-ee) – What are you doing there?
- ¿Qué estás haciendo este fin de semana? (keh es-TAHS ah-see-EN-doh ES-te feen deh-se-MAH-nah) – What are you doing this weekend?
Feel free to adapt these examples to suit specific scenarios or your personal style.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a handy guide to help you confidently ask “What are you doing?” in Spanish. Remember to adapt your language according to the formality of the situation, and feel free to incorporate non-verbal cues when appropriate. With practice, you’ll become more comfortable using these phrases, enhancing your Spanish conversations and building stronger connections with Spanish speakers. ¡Buena suerte!
