How to Say “What Are You Doing” in Tunisian

In this guide, we will explore various ways to ask “What are you doing?” in Tunisian. We’ll cover both informal and formal expressions, and also touch upon regional variations where necessary. So, let’s dive in!

Formal Expressions:

When you want to ask someone in a formal setting what they are doing, you can use the following expressions:

1. “Shnu 3mal?” – This is a straightforward way to ask “What are you doing?” in Tunisian Arabic. It is neutral in tone and can be used in various situations.
2. “Chnowa kifach?” – This expression is slightly more formal and can be translated as “What are you up to?” It shows a polite interest in the person’s activities.
3. “Sharik?” – Literally meaning “What’s going on?” this expression can be used in a professional setting to ask about someone’s current tasks or work-related activities.

Informal Expressions:

When speaking in a more casual setting, you can opt for the following expressions:

1. “Kifech hakka?” – This is a commonly used informal expression which can be translated as “What are you doing like this?” It conveys a sense of curiosity or surprise.
2. “Wesh 9a3ed?” – This expression is more colloquial and directly translates to “What are you sitting (or doing)?” It’s commonly used among friends or peers.
3. “Wa9itish?” – This informal phrase is derived from the word “wa9t” meaning “time.” It can be translated as “What are you spending your time on?” and is often used informally to ask about someone’s activities or plans.

Regional Variations:

Tunisia is a diverse country with various regional dialects. Although the expressions mentioned above are widely understood across the country, there might be some regional variations worth noting:

In the South: People might use “Ch7al” instead of “Chnowa” to ask “What” in a more informal way. So, you could ask “Ch7al kifach?” to ask “What are you up to?”

Remember, these regional variations are not essential for general communication, but they can add a touch of local authenticity to your conversations.

Tips and Examples:

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you effectively use these phrases in Tunisian:

• Non-verbal cues: Pay attention to non-verbal cues such as tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. They often play a significant role in conveying the correct meaning.
• Adapt to the situation: Choose the expression that fits the context. The formal expressions may be more appropriate in professional environments or when talking to someone older or in authority.
• Use polite expressions: Add polite particles such as “S’il vous plaît” (if speaking to an older or respected person) or “3afwan” (meaning “excuse me”) before asking the question to show respect and politeness.

Let’s look at some examples to better understand the usage:

• Formal example: You could say “S’il vous plaît, shnu 3mal?” to politely ask a senior colleague or supervisor what they are doing.
• Informal example: With friends, you might casually say “Kifech hakka? 7atta ana ma n3arfikich dhiba!” which means “What are you doing like this? I also don’t know what I’m doing!”

Remember, language is dynamic, and the usage of expressions may vary among different individuals and contexts. These examples should give you a good starting point to engage in conversations.

Now that you have a variety of expressions to ask “What are you doing?” in Tunisian, it’s time to start practicing and engaging with native speakers. Have fun exploring the rich language and culture of Tunisia!