Bonjour! Are you planning a trip to a French-speaking country or simply looking to expand your language skills? Knowing how to ask “What are we doing today?” in French is a great way to engage with locals and make the most out of your day. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to convey this question, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations. So, let’s dive right in!
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Formal Ways to Say “What Are We Doing Today?” in French
If you’re in a formal setting, such as in a professional environment or addressing someone you don’t know well, here are some phrases you can use to ask the question:
1. Que faisons-nous aujourd’hui? (keh fay-zohn-noo oh-zhoor-dwee)
This is a straightforward and polite way to ask what your plans are for the day.
2. Qu’allons-nous faire aujourd’hui? (kal-on-noo fair oh-zhoor-dwee)
This expresses the idea of “what will we be doing today?” and is commonly used as well.
Remember to use appropriate formal greetings and pronouns to maintain professionalism. For example, if the person you’re asking is older or holds a higher position, you can address them as “vous” instead of the more familiar “tu”.
Informal Ways to Say “What Are We Doing Today?” in French
When talking with friends, family, or people you’re on familiar terms with, you can opt for a more casual approach. Here are some informal variations:
1. On fait quoi aujourd’hui? (ohn fay kwah oh-zhoor-dwee)
This is a common way to ask “What are we doing today?” among friends and peers. The use of “on” (we) and the relaxed tone make it suitable for casual conversations.
2. Qu’est-ce qu’on fait aujourd’hui? (kes-kuh oh fay oh-zhoor-dwee)
This is another informal option that translates to “What are we doing today?” It’s commonly used in everyday conversations.
In informal settings, using the familiar form “tu” is appropriate unless you’re speaking with someone significantly older or in a position of authority.
Tips and Examples
To further enhance your understanding, here are some useful tips and examples to help you master the use of these phrases:
1. Use context clues: Observing the situation or listening to the ongoing conversation can often provide cues about what activities might be planned for the day. This can help you ask more specific questions about the day’s agenda.
Example: “Je vois que nous sommes ici près de la plage. Que faisons-nous aujourd’hui? Je suis prêt à explorer!” (I see that we are near the beach. What are we doing today? I’m ready to explore!)
2. Adapt your language to the region: French is spoken in various countries, and regional variations in vocabulary and accents exist. While the phrases mentioned earlier are understood universally, you might encounter slight differences depending on the region you are in. Be open to the local way of expressing the question.
Example: “Qu’est-ce qu’on va faire aujourd’hui?” (What are we going to do today?) – This variation is commonly used in Canadian French.
3. Be attentive to verb tenses: Depending on the context and your plans, you might need to adjust the verb tense used in the question. For example, if you have already made plans, you can use the future tense to ask about specific activities.
Example: “Que ferons-nous aujourd’hui?” (What will we do today?)
In Conclusion
Now that you have a range of expressions to ask “What are we doing today?” in French, you can confidently navigate casual and formal situations. Remember to adapt your language based on the level of formality and to be aware of any regional differences in vocabulary. The more you immerse yourself in the language, the more natural these phrases will become.
Bonne journée! (Have a great day!)
