How to Say “What Are You Up To?” in French

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qu'est-ce que tu fais ?
In French, the English phrase 'what are you up to?' is translated as qu'est-ce que tu fais ?
This phrase is used as a casual way to ask someone what they are doing right now or in the near future.

Which one should you use?

While qu'est-ce que tu fais ? literally means 'what are you doing?', it is the standard way to translate the casual English 'what are you up to?' in most contexts. For a more specific inquiry regarding the immediate present, you might use Qu'est-ce que tu fais en ce moment ? or Que faites-vous en ce moment ? to ask 'What are you doing right now?'

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

The level of formality depends on which form you choose. Qu'est-ce que tu fais ? is a casual option. For highly informal spoken French, you can use Tu fais quoi ?, which translates to 'What are you doing?' If you need to be formal, use Qu'est-ce que vous faites actuellement ? ('What are you currently doing?') or Que faites-vous en ce moment ? ('What are you doing right now?').

Is it said differently in some regions?

In France, the expression Qu'est-ce que tu fiches ? is an informal way to say 'What are you up to?' that often carries a connotation of surprise or suspicion.

How does it change in a sentence?

When addressing more than one person, or when addressing a single person in a formal manner, use the form qu'est-ce que vous faites ?

Did you know?

  • The expression qu'est-ce que literally translates to 'what is it that', creating a complex double-question structure just to say 'what'.
  • French speakers often drop the ne in negative responses to this question, such as Je fais rien, even though textbooks insist on Je ne fais rien.
  • The pronoun tu is a cognate with the German 'du' and the Russian 'ты'.

Examples in context

  • Hé, salut ! Qu'est-ce que tu fais en ce moment ?
    Hey, hi! What are you doing right now?
  • Coucou ! Tu fais quoi ?
    Hey there! What are you doing?

Example conversation

Lucas calls Emma on her mobile phone.

  1. Lucas

    Salut Emma, qu'est-ce que tu fais ?
    Hi Emma, what are you up to?
  2. Emma

    Je regarde un film, et toi ?
    I am watching a movie, and you?
  3. Lucas

    Rien de spécial, je m'ennuie un peu.
    Nothing special, I am a bit bored.
  4. Emma

    Tu veux venir chez moi ?
    Do you want to come to my place?

Sources

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Owen Russell
Owen RussellHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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