ania ti ar-aramidem?
ania ti ar-aramidem? is the Ilocano way to say "what are you doing?"
This phrase is used to ask someone about the activity they are currently performing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ania (what), ti (the/particle) and ar-aramidem (your doing/the thing you are doing).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb aramid (do) uses the reduplication ar-aramid to indicate the progressive aspect, meaning the action is currently happening. The form ania ti ar-aramidem? is the standard way to ask about a current activity when addressing a single person.
Did you know?
- Depending on the tone and context, ania ti ar-aramidem? can be used as a stern reprimand. If spoken with a sharp falling intonation, it functions more like 'what on earth are you doing?'
- In Ilocano, the root word aramid can also mean 'creation' or 'making'. This allows the same word used in ania ti ar-aramidem? to be used when discussing the act of crafting an object.
- If you are asking a group of people 'what are you doing?', the phrase changes to ania ti ar-aramidyo? The change from -em to -yo indicates the switch from a single person to a collective group.
Example conversation
Maria finds Ricardo in the kitchen.
- MariaRicardo, ania ti ar-aramidem?Ricardo, what are you doing?
- RicardoAglutoak iti makan.I am cooking food.
- MariaMabalin kadi ti tumulong?Can I help?
- RicardoWen, paki-ukit daytoy.Yes, please slice this.
