What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Tu fais quoi dans la vie ? literally translates to "You do what in life?"
Which one should you use?
While several forms exist, they differ by register. Tu fais quoi dans la vie ? is an informal way to ask the question. To be more grammatically standard without using the colloquial quoi at the end, you can say Qu'est-ce que tu fais dans la vie ?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality depends on your relationship with the person. For informal social settings with peers, you can use Tu fais quoi dans la vie ?, Qu'est-ce que tu fais comme boulot? or C'est quoi ton métier? In formal settings, such as with strangers or in professional environments, use Quel est votre métier?, Quelle est votre profession? or Que faites-vous dans la vie?
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase Qu'est-ce que tu fais dans la vie ? provides a grammatically standard way to phrase the question compared to the more colloquial version ending in quoi.
Did you know?
- The word boulot, used in the phrase Qu'est-ce que tu fais comme boulot?, is a common slang term for 'work' or 'job'. It originated from the 19th-century term for a 'ball of tow' used in textile work, symbolizing the repetitive nature of labor.
- Using tu instead of vous when asking about someone's job can be a social risk. In France, using tu too early can be seen as an intrusion or a sign of overly casual behavior.
- Depending on the region, asking Tu fais quoi dans la vie ? can be a subtle way to discover someone's social class without asking for a specific job title.
Examples in context
- Je suis ingénieur.I am an engineer.
- Et toi, tu fais quoi dans la vie ?And you, what do you do for a living?
- Je me demandais : tu fais quoi dans la vie ?I was wondering: what is your job?
Example conversation
Two people meeting at a social gathering.
- NathanEnchanté, Chloé. Tu fais quoi dans la vie ?Nice to meet you, Chloé. What do you do for a living?
- ChloéJe suis infirmière. Et toi, Nathan ?I am a nurse. And you, Nathan?
- NathanMoi, je suis graphiste.Me, I am a graphic designer.
- ChloéC'est un métier passionnant !That is an exciting job!
