When engaging in conversations, it’s always important to know how to ask “What are you doing?” in Spanish, both in formal and informal contexts. In this guide, we will discuss various ways to ask this question, highlighting regional variations only if necessary. Below, you’ll find tips, examples, and useful phrases to help you master this essential query.
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Formal Phrases
Formal language is typically used when addressing someone you are not familiar with or when showing respect to authority figures. Here are a few formal ways to ask “What are you doing?” in Spanish:
1. ¿Qué está haciendo?
2. ¿En qué está ocupado/a?
The first phrase, “¿Qué está haciendo?” is a straightforward and polite question to ask someone about their current activities.
The second phrase, “¿En qué está ocupado/a?” directly translates to “What are you busy with?” It conveys the same meaning as the first phrase but emphasizes the person’s level of busyness.
Here’s an example conversation to demonstrate the usage of these formal phrases:
Person A: Buenas tardes, señor García. ¿Qué está haciendo?
Person B: Buenas tardes. Estoy trabajando en un informe para la reunión de mañana.
The conversation above showcases the polite and respectful tone of formal Spanish.
Informal Phrases
Informal language is suitable when speaking to friends, family members, or people you have a close connection with. Here are a few informal ways to ask “What are you doing?” in Spanish:
1. ¿Qué estás haciendo?
2. ¿En qué estás metido/a?
The phrase “¿Qué estás haciendo?” is the informal equivalent of “What are you doing?” It’s used casually among friends and acquaintances.
The second phrase, “¿En qué estás metido/a?” is a more colloquial expression commonly used in certain regions. It translates to “What are you up to?” and adds a slightly more personal touch to the question.
Let’s see an example conversation to understand the usage of these informal phrases:
Person A: Hola María, ¿qué estás haciendo?
Person B: Nada, solo viendo una serie en Netflix. ¿Y tú?
The conversation above reflects the friendly and informal nature of Spanish spoken among peers.
Additional Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to enhance your understanding of asking “What are you doing?” in Spanish:
1. Varying the Verb:
Instead of using “haciendo” (doing) in all situations, you can replace it with different verbs to add specificity to your question. For example:
- ¿Qué estás trabajando? – What are you working on?
- ¿Qué estás estudiando? – What are you studying?
- ¿Qué estás cocinando? – What are you cooking?
Using different verbs can help tailor the question to specific contexts and interests.
2. Using “Andar” or “Ir” in Some Regions:
Depending on the region, you may also hear the usage of “andar” or “ir” to ask about someone’s activities. For example:
- ¿En qué andas? – What are you doing? (Common in some Latin American countries)
- ¿En qué vas? – What are you up to? (Common in Spain and some other regions)
These variations are used conversationally and are perfectly acceptable in informal settings.
3. Adding Time References:
To ask specifically about someone’s recent activities, you can include time references in your question. For instance:
- ¿Qué has estado haciendo hoy? – What have you been doing today?
- ¿Qué estuviste haciendo ayer? – What were you doing yesterday?
Adding time references allows for a more focused conversation and shows interest in the person’s daily routine.
Remember, the key to mastering any language is practice. So go ahead and use these phrases in conversations with native Spanish speakers or language exchange partners to strengthen your skills.
By learning how to ask “What are you doing?” in Spanish, you’ll be better equipped to engage in conversations and build meaningful connections with Spanish speakers. Whether you’re using formal or informal phrases, regional variations, or adding specific details, the beauty of the Spanish language lies in its diversity and versatility. ¡Buena suerte!
