Greetings! If you’re curious about how to ask someone “what are you doing?” in Russian, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to inquire about someone’s activities. Additionally, we will touch upon some regional variations, provide useful tips, and offer examples to help you master this common phrase in Russian. So let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Ask “What Are You Doing?”
If you want to ask this question in a polite and formal manner, the following phrases will come in handy:
- “Что вы делаете?” [Chto vi delayete?] – The most standard and appropriate way to inquire about someone’s activities in formal situations.
- “Чем занимаетесь?” [Chem zanimayetes’?] – This phrase asks about someone’s occupation or what they are busy with.
2. Informal Ways to Ask “What Are You Doing?”
In a more casual or friendly setting, you can use the following phrases to ask about someone’s activities informally:
- “Что ты делаешь?” [Chto ty delayesh?] – The default and most frequently used way to ask what someone is doing informally.
- “Чем занимаешься?” [Chem zanimayesh’sya?] – Similar to the formal phrase mentioned earlier, but in an informal tone.
- “Как дела?” [Kak dela?] – While primarily used as a general “How are you?” greeting, it can also imply asking what someone is up to.
3. Regional Variations
Russian is a vast language with regional variations. However, when it comes to asking “what are you doing?”, the same phrases are commonly used throughout the country. The formal and informal expressions we covered earlier should be understood by Russian speakers regardless of their region.
4. Useful Tips & Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you use these phrases correctly:
TIP: Remember that verbs and pronouns in Russian vary depending on the grammatical gender and the number of people involved. Pay attention to these specifics when using these phrases.
Example 1:
Person A: Привет! Что ты делаешь сейчас? (Hi! What are you doing right now?)
Person B: Я готовлю ужин. (I am cooking dinner.)
Example 2:
Person A: Чем занимаетесь вы по профессии? (What is your profession?)
Person B: Я работаю врачом. (I work as a doctor.)
Example 3:
Person A: Как дела? Что ты делаешь на выходных? (How are you? What are you doing on the weekends?)
Person B: О, я обычно провожу время с друзьями или занимаюсь своими хобби. (Oh, I usually spend time with friends or pursue my hobbies.)
5. Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to ask “what are you doing?” in Russian. Remember to adjust your phrases based on the formality of the situation and carefully consider the appropriate personal pronouns. With practice and exposure to the language, you will become more comfortable using these expressions naturally. Enjoy your Russian language journey and have fun communicating with Russian speakers!
