How do you say “What are you doing” in Spanish? This is a common question among those who are learning the language or are simply curious about Spanish phrases. Understanding how to express this simple yet essential question in Spanish can be a great asset, whether you are traveling to a Spanish-speaking country or just want to connect with Spanish speakers on a more personal level.
Spanish, like any other language, has its own unique way of expressing everyday phrases. The translation of “What are you doing” in Spanish is “¿Qué estás haciendo?” This phrase is formed by combining the interrogative word “qué” (which means “what”), the verb “estar” (which means “to be” and is used to describe states or actions that are ongoing), and the gerund “haciendo” (which means “doing”).
In Spanish, the structure of questions can be a bit different from English. Instead of starting with “What,” you would typically start with “¿Qué,” and then follow it with the rest of the sentence. This is why the question “What are you doing” is translated as “¿Qué estás haciendo?” rather than “¿Estás haciendo qué?”
It’s important to note that the verb “estar” is used to describe actions that are in progress, while the verb “hacer” is used to describe actions that are completed or actions in general. In this case, since we are asking about an ongoing action, “estar” is the appropriate verb to use.
In addition to the formal way of asking “What are you doing,” there are also more casual or colloquial ways to express the same question. For example, you might hear someone say “¿Qué haces?” This is a shorter and more informal version of the question, where “haces” is the present tense form of the verb “hacer.”
Understanding how to say “What are you doing” in Spanish can open up a world of possibilities for communication. Whether you are trying to strike up a conversation with a new friend, navigate through a day in a Spanish-speaking country, or simply impress your Spanish-speaking friends with your language skills, knowing this phrase is a great starting point. So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where you need to ask someone what they are doing, remember “¿Qué estás haciendo?” and you’ll be all set to engage in a meaningful conversation.
