Cosa fai oggi?
The English phrase "what are you doing today?" is translated into Italian as Cosa fai oggi?
This phrase is used to ask someone about their plans or activities for the current day.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from Cosa (what), fai (you do/are doing) and oggi (today).
Which one should you use?
While Cosa fai oggi? is standard, Che fai oggi? is a very common, slightly more colloquial way to ask the same question. To ask about the day's activities using a progressive construction, you can use Cosa sta facendo oggi? or Cosa stai facendo oggi?
How does it change in a sentence?
In Italian, the simple present fai is much more common for asking about general plans for the day than the present continuous form stai facendo. To address a group of people, use the plural form Cosa fate oggi? or Cosa state facendo oggi?
Did you know?
- In Italy, asking Che fai? can sometimes be a way of saying 'What is wrong?' or 'What are you up to?' if the tone is suspicious.
- Because cosa comes from the Latin causa, it is a linguistic 'doublet' with the English word 'cause', sharing the same ancient root.
- If you ask Cosa fai oggi? to a close friend, they might respond with Niente, which literally means 'nothing' but often implies 'I am free if you have a plan'.
Examples in context
- Buongiorno, signore. Cosa fa oggi?Good morning, sir. What are you doing today?
- Ciao! Cosa fai oggi?Hi! What are you doing today?
- Ragazzi, cosa state facendo oggi?Guys, what are you doing today?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking on the phone in the morning.
- FrancescoCiao Sofia, cosa fai oggi?Hi Sofia, what are you doing today?
- SofiaNon ho ancora programmi, Francesco.I don't have any plans yet, Francesco.
- FrancescoVuoi andare al cinema con me?Do you want to go to the cinema with me?
- SofiaSì, ottima idea!Yes, great idea!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cosa, fai, oggi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
