What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "the thing that you are doing". The component lo que functions as a relative pronoun meaning "that which" or "the thing that".
Which one should you use?
The different forms of this phrase depend on whom you are addressing and the level of formality: lo que estás haciendo is used for an informal singular "you", lo que está haciendo is used for a formal singular "you" and lo que están haciendo is used when addressing a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must change based on the subject. The default form lo que estás haciendo uses the informal singular tú conjugation. To address one person formally, change estás to está to get lo que está haciendo. To address a group of people (you all), change estás to están to get lo que están haciendo.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the verb hacer does not just mean 'to do' or 'to make', but is also used to describe the weather, such as saying hace frío for 'it is cold'.
- In some regions, saying lo que estás haciendo with a specific rising intonation can be used as a warning, implying 'I see what you are up to' or 'stop that'.
- The word que in this expression is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'who', as both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European root.
Examples in context
- Veo lo que estás haciendo.I see what you are doing.This sentence shows how to use the form lo que estás haciendo to express seeing someone's current action.Tatoeba #2929259 by teskmon, translation #11046790 by carlosalberto
- Me encuentro revisando los informesI am reviewing the reports.
- Realizo investigaciones para la empresaI am carrying out research for the company.
- Estoy participando en un seminario virtualI am participating in a virtual seminar.
- Ando preparando la cenaI am preparing dinner.
- Estoy pasando el rato escuchando músicaI am passing the time listening to music.
- Estoy haciendo ejercicioI am exercising.
- No entiendo lo que estás haciendo.I don't understand what you are doing.
- Dime lo que estás haciendo ahora.Tell me what you are doing now.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are in the kitchen.
- AlejandroSofía, explícame lo que estás haciendo.Sofía, explain to me what you are doing.
- SofíaEstoy preparando una cena especial.I am preparing a special dinner.
- AlejandroHuele muy bien.It smells very good.
- SofíaEspero que te guste.I hope you like it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lo, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
