Gaining proficiency in Chinese not only requires mastering grammar and vocabulary but also becoming familiar with the different ways of expressing everyday questions and phrases. One such common question is “What are you doing?” which helps initiate conversations and show genuine interest in someone’s activities. In this guide, we will explore various formal and informal ways to ask this question in Chinese, highlighting tips, examples, and even some regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways:
1. 你在做什么？(Nǐ zài zuò shénme?)
This is the most standard and widely used way to ask “What are you doing?” in Chinese. It’s polite and appropriate for most situations. Here’s a breakdown of the phrase:
你(Nǐ) – you
在(zài) – at/in/on
做(zuò) – do
什么(shénme) – what
2. 请问，您在做什么？(Qǐngwèn, nín zài zuò shénme?)
This phrase is more formal and respectful. It’s typically used when addressing someone older or in a higher position. Here’s the breakdown:
请问(Qǐngwèn) – May I ask
您(nín) – you (polite form)
在(zài) – at/in/on
做(zuò) – do
什么(shénme) – what
Informal Ways:
1. 你在干嘛？(Nǐ zài gàn má?)
This is a more casual and colloquial way of asking “What are you doing?” Among friends or peers, this phrase is commonly used. The breakdown is as follows:
你(Nǐ) – you
在(zài) – at/in/on
干嘛(gàn má) – what (literally, “what are you up to?”)
2. 最近在忙什么？(Zuìjìn zài máng shénme?)
If you want to inquire about someone’s recent activities, especially when they seem busy, this informal phrase is great to use. It breaks down as:
最近(Zuìjìn) – recently
在(zài) – at/in/on
忙(máng) – busy
什么(shénme) – what
Regional Variations: (Optional)
While Mandarin Chinese serves as the standard language across the country and among the Chinese diaspora, there are some regional variations on how to ask “What are you doing?” Let’s take a look at a few:
1. In Cantonese:
你做緊咩嘢呀？(Nei zou gan me ye ah?)
2. In Shanghainese:
你做緊咩勒？(Nong zho ghen me le?)
3. In Hokkien:
你做咩个来着？(Lí á siánn guá lâi-tio̍h?)
Please note that these variations may not be widely understood outside their respective regions, so it’s generally best to stick with the standard Mandarin phrases mentioned earlier.
Tips and Examples:
1. If you want to be even more polite, you can add “请问” (Qǐngwèn) at the beginning of any formal or informal phrase.
2. To show a higher level of interest, you can use additional phrases like “最近” (zuìjìn) meaning “recently,” or “现在” (xiànzài) meaning “now.”
Here are a few examples of how to use these phrases:
Informal:
– 你在干嘛呢？(Nǐ zài gàn má ne?) – What are you up to?
Formal:
– 请问，你在做什么？(Qǐngwèn, nǐ zài zuò shénme?) – May I ask, what are you doing?
Polite:
– 最近在忙什么呢？(Zuìjìn zài máng shénme ne?) – What have you been busy with recently?
Conclusion
Now that you’re equipped with various ways to ask “What are you doing?” in Chinese, both formally and informally, go ahead and initiate conversations in a polite and natural manner. Remember to use the appropriate phrase based on the situation and your relationship with the person you’re talking to. Learning these phrases not only helps you make connections but also allows you to grasp the nuances of everyday conversation in Chinese. Practice these expressions regularly, and soon enough, you’ll be confidently navigating conversations in Chinese!
