quid agis?
The English phrase "what are you doing?" is translated into Latin as quid agis?
While the phrase can literally mean "what are you doing?", in a social context it functions as a greeting to ask how someone is doing or what is happening in their life.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of quid (what) and agis (you are doing, driving or acting).
Which one should you use?
While quid agis? is used when speaking to one person, you should use quid agitis? to ask the same question to a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
quid agis? is the singular form used when addressing one person.
Did you know?
- While quid agis? is a friendly greeting, the same verb ago was used in legal contexts to describe bringing a case to court.
- In certain contexts, quid agis? could be used as a challenge to someone's behavior, effectively meaning 'what are you playing at?'
- The verb agere in quid agis? does not just mean 'to do', but carries the sense of 'driving' or 'propelling' something forward, like a chariot or a herd.
Examples in context
- Salve, quid agis?Hello, how are you doing?
Example conversation
Lucius meets Claudia in the garden.
- LuciusSalve, Claudia, quid agis?Hello, Claudia, how are you doing?
- ClaudiaBene est, Luci, gratias tibi ago.I am well, Lucius, thank you.
- LuciusEsne laeta?Are you happy?
- ClaudiaIta, valde laeta sum.Yes, I am very happy.
