Regina Leah
Greetings! Are you interested in learning how to say “What are you doing here?” in Chinese? Whether you want to communicate formally or informally, we have got you covered. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express this question, provide regional variations where applicable, and offer numerous tips and examples. Let’s dive right in!
Formal Expressions
1. 你在这里做什么？
Nǐ zài zhèlǐ zuò shénme?
This is the most common and straightforward way to ask “What are you doing here?” in a formal context. It is suitable for professional settings or situations where politeness is expected.
2. 请问你在这里是为了什么？
Qǐng wèn nǐ zài zhèlǐ shì wèile shénme?
Adding “请问” (qǐng wèn) at the beginning of the sentence makes it even more polite. It shows respectful courtesy and is often used when asking someone of higher social status or addressing a stranger.
Informal Expressions
1. 你在这里干嘛呢？
Nǐ zài zhèlǐ gàn má ne?
This is a commonly used informal expression to ask “What are you doing here?” among friends, peers, or in casual situations. It sounds friendly and relaxed.
2. 你怎么到这里来了？
Nǐ zěnme dào zhèlǐ lái le?
This colloquial expression translates to “How did you come here?” and is often used in informal conversations to ask someone about their unexpected presence.
Tips for Asking the Question
1. Intonation: In Chinese, the intonation plays a crucial role in conveying the right meaning. When asking “What are you doing here?” make sure to use a rising tone on the final character to indicate a question.
2. Body Language: When asking the question, it’s important to accompany your words with appropriate body language to convey your emotions effectively. Maintain a friendly and curious facial expression to create a warm atmosphere.
Examples
Now that we’ve covered the formal and informal ways to ask “What are you doing here?” in Chinese, let’s explore a few examples to help solidify your understanding.
Example 1:
Lily：你在这里做什么？
John：我来找你聊天。Translation:
Lily: What are you doing here?
John: I came to chat with you.
Example 2:
张华：你在这里干嘛呢？
王明：今天去商场买东西。Translation:
Zhang Hua: What are you doing here?
Wang Ming: I’m going to the mall to buy something.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t hesitate to use these expressions when interacting with native Chinese speakers. They’ll appreciate your efforts to communicate in their language.
Regional Variations
The Chinese language has various regional and dialectal variations. However, the expressions we have discussed so far are generally understood and used throughout China. It’s worth noting that in some areas, local dialects may have unique phrasing for this question. Here are a few regional variations:
Regional Variation 1:
In Cantonese (spoken in parts of southern China and Hong Kong), “What are you doing here?” is:
你喺度做乜嘢？
Lei hai dou zou mat yeh?
Regional Variation 2:
In Hokkien (spoken in parts of Southeast Asia and Taiwan), “What are you doing here?” is:
你在金有来做么个？
Lí tī kin ū lâi tsò mā kóo?
While it’s interesting to learn these regional variations, it’s recommended to stick to the commonly used expressions we discussed earlier for wider understanding.
I hope this guide has been helpful in teaching you how to say “What are you doing here?” in Chinese. Remember to practice, stay confident, and enjoy exploring the Chinese language and culture.加油! (Jiāyóu! – Keep up the good work!)
