Greetings and interaction are an essential part of any culture, and Pakistan is no exception. When in Pakistan, it’s always nice to be able to connect with the locals by asking them “What are you doing?” in their language. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say this phrase, both formally and informally, while also highlighting any regional variations where necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What Are You Doing?”
Formality is highly valued in Pakistani society, especially in professional or official settings. When addressing people you’re not particularly acquainted with, it’s recommended to use the more formal phrases listed below:
1. Kya kar rahay hain?
This is the most common and respected form in formal settings throughout Pakistan. It translates directly to “What are you doing?” and can be confidently used in any region of the country.
Example: Assalam-o-Alaikum! Kya kar rahay hain? (Hello! What are you doing?)
2. Aap kya kar rahe hain?
Another formal way to ask the same question is by using the polite pronoun “aap.” This variant is more appropriate when speaking to elderly individuals, people in authoritative positions, or those deserving special respect.
Example: Ji, aap kya kar rahe hain? (Sir/Madam, what are you doing?)
3. Aap kia kar rahe hain?
This is a slightly modified version of the previous phrase, where “kia” is used instead of “kya.” This variation is often heard in certain regions of Pakistan, particularly in Punjab province. However, it can still be used across the country as a formal alternative.
Example: Adaab, aap kia kar rahe hain? (Greetings, what are you doing?)
Informal Ways to Say “What Are You Doing?”
Informal situations call for a more relaxed language style, allowing for greater rapport. Here are some phrases you can employ when conversing with family, friends, or people of similar age:
1. Tum kya kar rahe ho?
In informal situations, it’s common to address acquaintances and friends using the pronoun “tum.” This phrase translates to “What are you doing?” and can be used with people you share a comfortable relationship with.
Example: Hey! Tum kya kar rahe ho? (Hey! What are you doing?)
2. Kia kar rahe ho?
Similar to the formal version, the informal phrase uses “kia” instead of “kya.” This variant is prevalent in casual environments and is widely used among peers, siblings, and friends.
Example: Yaar, kia kar rahe ho? (Dude, what are you doing?)
3. Kya scene hai?
This colloquial phrase is popular among Pakistani youth and denotes informality. “Kya scene hai?” can be translated to “What’s going on?” and is suitable for relaxed conversations, particularly with close friends.
Example: Bhai, kya scene hai? (Bro, what’s going on?)
Regional Variations
Pakistan’s diverse cultural landscape brings about slight variations in language usage across different regions. Here are a few regional variations of the phrases covered earlier:
1. Sindhi:
- Formal: Tusi ki karenda aahein?
- Informal: Tuhinji karenda aahein?
- Translation: What are you doing?
2. Balochi:
- Formal & Informal: Tu ki kêr rargas?
- Translation: What are you doing?
3. Pashto (Pakhto):
- Formal & Informal: Ta kawum yee?
- Translation: What are you doing?
Remember, these regional variations may not be necessary for everyday interactions, as Urdu is widely understood across Pakistan. However, if you find yourself specifically immersed in a particular region or curious about linguistic diversity, these variations can be useful.
In Conclusion
Culture and language are deeply intertwined, and learning simple phrases like “What are you doing?” goes a long way in building connections with the people you meet in Pakistan. With this guide, you have gained insights into both formal and informal ways of asking the question, as well as exploring a few regional variations. So, go ahead, practice these phrases, and have engaging conversations with the warm-hearted people of Pakistan!
