Buenos días! Are you interested in learning how to ask someone “what are you going to do today?” in Spanish? In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express this question. We’ll also provide some regional variations if necessary. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Way
When addressing someone formally in Spanish, it’s important to use the appropriate conjugation of the verb “to do.” The formal way of asking “what are you going to do today?” is “¿Qué va a hacer hoy?” Let’s break down this phrase:
“¿Qué” means “what,”
“va” is the third person singular conjugation of the verb “ir,” meaning “to go,”
“a” is the preposition “to,” and
“hacer” is the verb “to do.”
So, all together, “¿Qué va a hacer hoy?” translates literally to “What are you going to do today?” It’s important to note that this form is more commonly used in formal settings or when talking to someone you don’t know well.
Informal Way
If you’re speaking to a friend, family member, or someone you have a close relationship with, you can use the informal form to ask this question. In Spanish, the informal way to ask “what are you going to do today?” is “¿Qué vas a hacer hoy?” Let’s explore this phrase:
“¿Qué” still means “what,”
“vas” is the second person singular conjugation of the verb “ir,”
“a” remains the preposition “to,” and
“hacer” is again used to mean “to do.”
Hence, “¿Qué vas a hacer hoy?” directly translates to “What are you going to do today?” This form is used when talking to friends, siblings, or anyone you have a close relationship with. It conveys a sense of familiarity and informality.
Tips and Examples
Now that we’ve covered both the formal and informal ways of asking “what are you going to do today?” in Spanish, let’s provide some tips and examples to help you practice and understand this phrase better.
Tip 1: Familiarize Yourself with Conjugations
Conjugations play a vital role in formulating this question. Make sure you are familiar with the verb “ir” (to go) and the verb “hacer” (to do). Here is a quick review of their present tense conjugations:
- “Yo voy a hacer” – I am going to do
- “Tú vas a hacer” – You (informal) are going to do
- “Él/Ella/Usted va a hacer” – He/She/You (formal) is going to do
- “Nosotros/Nosotras vamos a hacer” – We are going to do
- “Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes van a hacer” – They/You all (formal) are going to do
Understanding these conjugations will help you compose different variations of this question based on the subject you are addressing.
Tip 2: Use Time Indicators
Adding time indicators in your question can make it more specific and meaningful. Here are some examples:
- “¿Qué vas a hacer hoy en la tarde?” – What are you going to do this afternoon?
- “¿Qué vas a hacer mañana por la mañana?” – What are you going to do tomorrow morning?
- “¿Qué va a hacer este fin de semana?” – What are you going to do this weekend?
Using these time indicators will help you tailor your question to the specific time frame you’re interested in.
Tip 3: Vary the Verb
Instead of always using the verb “hacer” (to do), you can replace it with verbs that are more specific to the action you’re asking about. For example:
- “¿Qué vas a estudiar hoy?” – What are you going to study today?
- “¿Qué vas a cocinar para la cena?” – What are you going to cook for dinner?
- “¿Qué vas a comprar en el supermercado?” – What are you going to buy at the supermarket?
By replacing “hacer” with other verbs, you can inquire about a particular activity the person is planning to do, making your question more engaging and specific.
In Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to ask “what are you going to do today?” in Spanish, both formally and informally, you can confidently start conversations and connect with Spanish speakers. Remember to pay attention to verb conjugations, add time indicators, and vary the verb for a more engaging conversation. Practice, explore, and soon enough, you’ll be incorporating this phrase seamlessly into your conversations. ¡Buena suerte!
