lagi apa?
/ˈlaɡi ˈapa/word by word
In Indonesian, "what are you doing?" is translated as lagi apa?
This phrase is a casual question used to ask someone what they are currently doing. In Indonesian, the subject "you" is often omitted in this phrase because it is implied by the context.
What does it mean word for word?
The word lagi literally means "again" or "more", but in this context, it functions as a marker for a continuous action. The word apa means "what".
Which one should you use?
While lagi apa? is common in speech, sedang apa? is the more grammatically standard way to express the continuous aspect in Indonesian.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
lagi apa? is an informal way to ask the question and is suitable for friends or peers. For a more formal approach, you can use Apa yang sedang Anda lakukan?, where Anda is a polite way to say "you". For a softer, formal tone, you can use Apa yang sedang Bapak/Ibu lakukan? For very informal situations, such as asking "What are you up to?", you can use Lagi ngapain?
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlaɡi ˈapa/
Did you know?
- The word apa is a direct descendant of the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian word *apa, meaning it shares a deep linguistic root with languages spoken across the Pacific islands.
- The phrase lagi apa? can be used as a conversation starter that is almost equivalent to 'What's up?' in English, rather than a literal inquiry into a specific task.
- If you ask a friend Lagi apa? and they reply with just the word Lagi, they might not be saying they are 'doing again', but rather that they are currently in the middle of an action.
Examples in context
- Halo, apa yang sedang Anda lakukan?Hello, what are you doing?
- Hai, lagi ngapain?Hi, what are you up to?
- Lagi apa?What are you doing?
Example conversation
Indah calls Budi on the phone to check on him.
- IndahHalo, Budi. Lagi apa?Hello, Budi. What are you doing?
- BudiAku lagi nonton film.I am watching a movie.
- IndahSeru sekali ya!That sounds very fun!
- BudiIya, Indah. Sangat seru.Yes, Indah. It is very fun.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (lagi, apa) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apa, lagi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
