Greetings! If you’re looking to learn how to say “What are you doing?” in Swedish, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to ask this question, and provide you with helpful tips and examples along the way. So, let’s begin!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways
If you need to ask someone politely or in a more formal setting, here are a few phrases you can use:
1. Vad gör ni?
This is the plural form, used when addressing a group of people in a formal context. Remember, in Swedish, the pronoun “ni” is used for the formal “you”.
2. Vad gör du?
This is the singular form, used when addressing an individual in a formal manner. Use “du” for singular and informal “you”.
Informal Ways
If you are in a casual or informal setting, such as with friends or family, you can use these phrases:
1. Vad gör ni?
Just like the formal version, this is the plural form and can be used when speaking to a group of people in an informal context. The use of “ni” remains the same.
2. Vad gör du?
Again, this is the singular form, but now it is used when addressing an individual in an informal setting. Use “du” to maintain the casual tone.
Tips and Examples
Tips:
- When asking “What are you doing?” in Swedish, it’s important to consider the context and choose the appropriate form accordingly.
- Swedish society generally uses “du” (singular informal) more often than “ni” (plural formal), even in many professional settings.
- It’s always polite to add “Ursäkta” (Excuse me) or “Förlåt” (Sorry) before asking the question, especially in formal situations.
- Remember to use proper intonation and body language to match the intended level of formality and politeness.
Examples:
Exa: Ursäkta, vad gör du just nu? (Excuse me, what are you doing right now?)
Olivia: Jag läser en bok. (I’m reading a book.)
Exa: Hej, vad gör ni ikväll? (Hi, what are you doing tonight?)
Karl: Vi ska gå på bio. (We are going to the cinema.)
Exa: Förlåt, vad gör du på jobbet? (Sorry, what are you doing at work?)
Anna: Jag håller på att planera ett möte. (I’m busy planning a meeting.)
Congratulations! With the help of this guide, you now know how to ask “What are you doing?” in both formal and informal situations in Swedish. Remember to tailor your choice of words based on the context and the people you’re conversing with. Best of luck with your Swedish language journey!
