How to Say “What Are You Doing?” in Spanish (With Examples!)
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Learning a new language is exciting, especially when it involves mastering the art of everyday conversations!
If you’re learning Spanish, you might be curious about how to ask, “What are you doing?”—a simple yet versatile phrase.
Whether you’re checking in with a friend or starting a casual chat, this phrase can come in handy in so many settings.
Let’s dive into the different ways to say “What are you doing?” in Spanish and explore how you can use it naturally in conversation.
Why Learn Different Ways to Ask “What Are You Doing?” in Spanish?
Asking what someone is doing is one of those universal questions we use every day.
In Spanish, just like in English, there are multiple ways to say it depending on the context, your relationship with the person, and even the region you’re in.
Not only will this phrase help you connect better with Spanish speakers, but it will also make you sound more fluent and comfortable in everyday conversations.
The Basics: How to Say “What Are You Doing?” in Spanish
The direct translation of “What are you doing?” in Spanish is:
¿Qué estás haciendo?
Let’s break this down:
Qué – This translates to “what” and is commonly used in questions.
Estás – This is the second-person singular form of the verb “estar,” which means “to be.”
Haciendo – This is the present participle of “hacer,” which means “to do” or “to make.”
So, put together, ¿Qué estás haciendo? literally translates to “What are you doing?”
This phrase is perfect for informal settings with friends, family, or peers.
But there’s more to it!
Let’s explore a few other ways to say “What are you doing?” in Spanish, along with tips on when to use each.
Using Formal and Informal Forms in Spanish
Before we dive deeper, let’s quickly touch on formality.
Spanish, unlike English, has distinct formal and informal forms.
So, when you’re asking someone what they’re doing, you might choose a different form if you’re talking to a boss, teacher, or someone you don’t know well.
Informal Form: ¿Qué Estás Haciendo?
This is the most common, informal way to say “What are you doing?” and is typically used among friends, family, or people of a similar age.
Formal Form: ¿Qué Está Haciendo?
For more formal situations, we switch to ¿Qué está haciendo? This version uses “está” instead of “estás,” making it more polite and appropriate for formal settings.
Let’s practice with some examples!
Example Situations for “¿Qué Estás Haciendo?”
Knowing when to use certain phrases can make all the difference in learning Spanish!
Here are a few situations where you might want to ask “What are you doing?” and some sample responses.
1. Checking In on a Friend
Imagine you’re texting a friend, and you want to know what they’re up to.
You: ¿Qué estás haciendo?
Friend: Nada, solo viendo una película. (Nothing, just watching a movie.)
2. Asking a Family Member
Say you’re at home, and you want to check in on a sibling or cousin.
You: Oye, ¿qué estás haciendo?
Sibling: Estoy cocinando la cena. (I’m cooking dinner.)
3. In a Formal Setting
Let’s say you’re speaking with someone you’re not very familiar with, and you want to keep it polite.
You: ¿Qué está haciendo?
Stranger or Acquaintance: Estoy trabajando en un proyecto. (I’m working on a project.)
Other Ways to Ask “What Are You Doing?” in Spanish
Spanish is rich with expressions, so let’s add a bit more variety to our vocabulary.
Here are some alternative ways to ask, “What are you doing?” that you can use in different contexts.
¿Qué haces?
This is a more direct and slightly shorter way to ask “What are you doing?” and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Example:
You: ¿Qué haces?
Friend: Estoy leyendo un libro. (I’m reading a book.)
¿En qué andas?
This is a fun, casual way to say “What are you up to?” or “What’s going on?” and is commonly used in many Spanish-speaking regions.
Example:
You: ¿En qué andas?
Friend: Ando terminando mis deberes. (I’m finishing my homework.)
¿Qué andas haciendo?
This one is similar to “¿En qué andas?” but includes “haciendo” (doing), making it a bit more specific.
Example:
You: ¿Qué andas haciendo?
Friend: Ando trabajando en mi jardín. (I’m working in my garden.)
¿Qué estás haciendo ahora?
Adding “ahora” (now) at the end of “¿Qué estás haciendo?” is another way to ask, “What are you doing right now?” This can be helpful if you’re trying to get someone’s immediate attention.
Example:
You: ¿Qué estás haciendo ahora?
Friend: Estoy hablando contigo. (I’m talking to you.)
Regional Variations in Asking “What Are You Doing?”
It’s also worth noting that different Spanish-speaking regions have their own variations.
For example, in some parts of Mexico, people might say ¿Qué estás haciendo ahorita? (“ahorita” meaning “right now”) for emphasis.
In Argentina, you might hear ¿Qué hacés? with a distinct pronunciation, reflecting the Argentine Spanish accent and verb conjugation.
These regional quirks are a fun part of learning Spanish, and they’ll make you sound even more authentic.
Quick Reference Guide: Phrases for “What Are You Doing?” in Spanish
Here’s a quick recap of different ways to say “What are you doing?” in Spanish:
¿Qué estás haciendo? – The most common, informal way.
¿Qué está haciendo? – Formal version for polite settings.
¿Qué haces? – Simple and direct.
¿En qué andas? – Casual, meaning “What are you up to?”
¿Qué andas haciendo? – Similar to “¿En qué andas?” but slightly more specific.
¿Qué estás haciendo ahora? – Adding “now” for immediate situations.
Adding Expressions to Sound More Natural
Once you feel comfortable with these phrases, you can add a few more expressions to sound even more fluent.
Here are some phrases you might want to pair with your question:
Oye, (Hey)
Example: Oye, ¿qué estás haciendo?Disculpa, (Excuse me)
Example: Disculpa, ¿qué está haciendo?Entonces, (So, or Well then)
Example: Entonces, ¿qué andas haciendo?
These little additions make your conversations sound friendly and natural.
Wrapping Up: Practice Makes Perfect!
Now that we’ve explored all the ways to ask “What are you doing?” in Spanish, you’re well on your way to mastering this essential phrase.
The best way to get comfortable with these phrases is to practice, practice, practice!
Whether you’re chatting with a friend, taking a Spanish class, or using an app, don’t be afraid to mix it up and try different variations.
With time, you’ll be asking “¿Qué estás haciendo?” and its many versions like a pro, and you’ll feel even more confident engaging in everyday Spanish conversations.
So, let’s get out there and keep practicing—our Spanish-speaking friends will appreciate our efforts, and we’ll only get better from here!
Happy learning, and hasta luego (see you later)!
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