Are you interested in learning how to ask someone “What did you do?” in Spanish? Whether you want to engage in a friendly conversation or have a formal discussion, we’ve got you covered. This guide will provide you with various ways to ask this question, including both formal and informal expressions. While regional variations exist, we’ll primarily focus on standard Spanish used widely across different Spanish-speaking countries. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Ask “What Did You Do?”
When speaking in formal situations, such as interviews, business meetings, or addressing someone you have great respect for, you can use more polite expressions to ask “What did you do?”. Here are a few options:
- “¿Qué hizo usted?” – This is a more formal way to ask someone what they did. It uses the third person singular form of the verb “hacer” (to do), and the pronoun “usted” (you, formal). This construction is commonly used in formal settings when addressing a single person respectfully.
- “¿Qué ha hecho usted?” – Using the present perfect tense, this question translates to “What have you done?”. The use of the present perfect implies that you are interested in the person’s recent activities. It is still a formal way to ask the question.
Informal Ways to Ask “What Did You Do?”
In more casual settings like social gatherings or when talking to friends or family, it’s common to use simpler and less formal expressions. Here are a couple of options for asking “What did you do?” more informally:
- “¿Qué hiciste?” – This is the informal way to ask someone what they did. It uses the second person singular form of the verb “hacer” (to do). It works well when speaking to someone the same age or younger than you or when you’re in a casual context.
- “¿Qué has hecho?” – Just like in the formal version, using the present perfect tense with the second person singular form of “hacer” allows you to ask “What have you done?” in an informal context. This expression works well when you want to show interest in someone’s recent activities in a relaxed setting.
Examples of Asking “What Did You Do?”
Let’s explore some examples to help you further understand how to use the above phrases:
Formal:
Interviewer: “¿Qué hizo usted en su último empleo?” (What did you do in your last job?)
Candidate: “Trabajé como gerente de ventas” (I worked as a sales manager).
Informal:
Friend 1: “¡Hola! ¿Qué hiciste el fin de semana?” (Hey! What did you do over the weekend?)
Friend 2: “Fui al cine y después salí a cenar con amigos” (I went to the movies and then went out for dinner with friends).
Remember that the key to fluent conversation is not just knowing how to ask the question but also understanding the different responses you may receive. This will help you continue the conversation smoothly. Here are a few sample responses:
Interviewer: “¿Qué hizo usted en su último empleo?” (What did you do in your last job?)
Candidate: “Entre otras cosas, me encargué de gestionar las cuentas de los clientes y coordinar el equipo de ventas.” (Among other things, I was in charge of managing client accounts and coordinating the sales team).
Friend 1: “¡Hola! ¿Qué hiciste el fin de semana?” (Hey! What did you do over the weekend?)
Friend 2: “Fui al concierto de mi banda favorita y luego tuve una barbacoa en mi casa” (I went to my favorite band’s concert and then had a barbecue at my place).
Tips for Using the Expressions
Here are a few additional tips to help you confidently use these expressions:
- Matching Verb Tenses: When responding, make sure the tense of your answer matches the tense used in the question. For example, if the question is asked in the past tense, respond using past tense verbs.
- Pay Attention to Context: Consider the context and setting when choosing between formal and informal expressions. It is essential to use appropriate language based on the situation and the level of familiarity with the person you are talking to.
- Listen and Learn: Pay attention to how native speakers respond when they are asked about their activities. This will help you pick up on common expressions and vocabulary used in real-life conversations.
By using these tips and examples, you will be well-prepared to ask the question “What did you do?” in both formal and informal situations, fostering meaningful conversations and developing stronger connections with Spanish speakers.
¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
