Learning a new language is an exciting journey filled with cultural exploration and personal growth. Mastering basic phrases allows you to connect with native speakers, navigate foreign lands, and appreciate the richness of a new culture. One of the most fundamental phrases to learn is “What are you doing?” This simple question opens doors to conversations, providing insight into someone’s activities and fostering meaningful connections. In French, several ways exist to ask this question, each nuanced and appropriate for different contexts. This guide will delve into the various options, equipping you with the knowledge to confidently inquire about someone’s activities in the beautiful language of French.
The Standard Translation: “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?”
The most common and widely understood translation of “What are you doing?” in French is “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?” This phrase is suitable for informal settings, such as conversations with friends, family, or acquaintances you know well.
Breaking down the phrase:
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Qu’est-ce que: This translates to “What is it that…” It’s a common way to form questions in French.
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Tu: This means “You” (singular, informal).
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Fais: This is the present tense conjugation of the verb “faire,” which means “to do” or “to make.”
Therefore, “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?” literally translates to “What is it that you do?” but is understood as “What are you doing?”
Pronunciation Tips for “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?”
French pronunciation can be tricky for English speakers. Here are a few tips to help you pronounce this phrase correctly:
- Qu’est-ce: Pronounce this as “kess.” The “e” in “est” is often dropped in spoken French.
- Tu: Pronounce this as “tew.”
- Fais: Pronounce this as “fay.”
Practice saying the entire phrase slowly and deliberately at first. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the pronunciation. Listening to native French speakers say the phrase will also greatly improve your pronunciation. Online resources, such as Forvo or YouTube pronunciation guides, can be invaluable.
Contextual Use of “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?”
This phrase is best suited for casual interactions. Imagine you are calling a friend on the phone. You could start the conversation with “Salut! Qu’est-ce que tu fais?” (Hi! What are you doing?). Similarly, if you see a family member engaged in an activity, you might ask, “Qu’est-ce que tu fais là?” (What are you doing there?).
A More Formal Alternative: “Que faites-vous?”
When addressing someone you don’t know well, or someone in a position of authority, it’s essential to use a more formal tone. In this case, the appropriate translation of “What are you doing?” is “Que faites-vous?“
The key difference lies in the pronoun and verb conjugation:
- Vous: This is the formal “you” (singular or plural).
- Faites: This is the present tense conjugation of “faire” when used with “vous.”
The word order also changes slightly in formal questions. In this case, the “Qu’est-ce que” part of the informal question is simplified to “Que”.
When to Use “Que faites-vous?”
Use “Que faites-vous?” when speaking to:
- Someone older than you, especially if you don’t know them well.
- A person in a position of authority, such as your boss or a teacher.
- Someone you want to show respect to.
For example, if you see your neighbor struggling with a heavy package, you could politely ask, “Que faites-vous? Puis-je vous aider?” (What are you doing? Can I help you?).
Pronunciation of “Que faites-vous?”
Pronouncing this formal phrase correctly is crucial for conveying respect.
- Que: Pronounce this as “kuh.”
- Faites: Pronounce this as “fett.” The “s” at the end is usually silent.
- Vous: Pronounce this as “voo.”
Practice linking the words together smoothly. The “s” at the end of “faites” can sometimes be pronounced when followed by a vowel sound (liaison), but in most cases, it remains silent.
An Even More Direct Question: “Tu fais quoi?”
For a very informal and direct way to ask “What are you doing?”, you can use “Tu fais quoi?” This phrase is extremely common in everyday spoken French, especially among young people.
Breaking down the phrase:
- Tu: “You” (informal).
- Fais: The present tense conjugation of “faire.”
- Quoi: This simply means “What.”
This phrasing is a more colloquial way to inquire about someone’s activities.
Using “Tu fais quoi?” Appropriately
This question is suitable for very casual conversations with close friends and family. Avoid using it in formal settings or with people you don’t know well, as it can be perceived as too informal or even rude.
Imagine texting a friend: “Salut! Tu fais quoi?” (Hi! What are you doing?). Or, if you see your sibling relaxing on the couch, you could ask, “Tu fais quoi?”
Pronunciation Notes for “Tu fais quoi?”
This phrase is relatively easy to pronounce.
- Tu: Pronounce this as “tew.”
- Fais: Pronounce this as “fay.”
- Quoi: Pronounce this as “kwah.”
The key is to pronounce it quickly and casually, as this is how it’s typically spoken.
Adding “En train de” for Emphasis on the Action
To emphasize that you are asking about what someone is currently in the process of doing, you can use the expression “en train de.” This phrase translates to “in the process of” or “busy with.”
Here’s how to incorporate it into the previous phrases:
- Qu’est-ce que tu es en train de faire? (What are you in the process of doing?) – Informal
- Que êtes-vous en train de faire? (What are you in the process of doing?) – Formal
Notice that when using “en train de,” the verb “être” (to be) is conjugated and placed before “en train de.” The verb “faire” remains in its infinitive form.
When to Use “En train de”
Use “en train de” when you want to emphasize that you are asking about an ongoing activity. For example, if you see someone struggling to assemble furniture, you could ask, “Qu’est-ce que tu es en train de faire?” to inquire about their current task.
Pronunciation Considerations for “En train de”
The addition of “en train de” adds a few more elements to the pronunciation.
- En: Pronounce this as “ahn.” This is a nasal vowel sound.
- Train: Pronounce this as “train.”
- De: Pronounce this as “duh.”
Remember to link the words together smoothly. In the phrase “Qu’est-ce que tu es en train de faire?”, the “s” at the end of “es” will often link to the “en” in “en train de”, creating a “z” sound.
Variations and Nuances
Beyond the core phrases, several variations and nuances can add depth to your understanding of how to ask “What are you doing?” in French.
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Quoi de neuf? This phrase translates to “What’s new?” or “What’s up?” While not a direct translation of “What are you doing?”, it serves a similar purpose in initiating a conversation and inquiring about someone’s activities.
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Tu deviens quoi? This phrase is more akin to “What are you up to these days?” It’s suitable for catching up with someone you haven’t seen in a while.
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À quoi tu travailles? This translates to “What are you working on?” and is specific to asking about someone’s work or project.
Understanding these variations will allow you to tailor your questions to the specific context and your relationship with the person you are speaking to.
Beyond the Words: Non-Verbal Communication
As with any language, non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in conveying your message effectively. In French culture, maintaining eye contact is important, as it shows engagement and sincerity. A friendly smile and open posture can also help create a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
Be mindful of your tone of voice. A warm and curious tone will make your question sound more inviting than an abrupt or demanding tone. Remember to adapt your non-verbal cues to the specific situation and your relationship with the person you are speaking to.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master these phrases is to practice using them in real-life conversations. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; it’s a natural part of the learning process. Seek out opportunities to speak French with native speakers, whether online or in person. Watch French movies and TV shows to immerse yourself in the language and culture. The more you practice, the more confident and fluent you will become.
By understanding the nuances of these phrases and practicing their pronunciation, you’ll be well-equipped to ask “What are you doing?” in French with confidence and accuracy. This seemingly simple question can open doors to countless conversations and connections, enriching your experience of the French language and culture.
FAQ 1: What is the most common way to say “What are you doing?” in French?
The most common and versatile way to ask “What are you doing?” in French is “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?”. This phrase is suitable for informal settings and everyday conversations. It’s easily understood and used by most French speakers, making it a safe and reliable choice when you want to know what someone is currently engaged in.
Remember that the “tu” form is used when addressing someone you know well, like a friend or family member. If you’re speaking to someone you don’t know well, or someone you need to show respect to, you’d need to adjust the pronoun and verb conjugation, as discussed in a later question.
FAQ 2: How do I ask “What are you doing?” formally in French?
To ask “What are you doing?” in a formal setting, you would use the phrase “Qu’est-ce que vous faites?”. The key difference is the use of “vous” instead of “tu”. This form of address is used with people you don’t know well, people older than you, or in situations where politeness is paramount.
Using “vous” shows respect and professionalism. Therefore, “Qu’est-ce que vous faites?” is ideal when speaking to a superior at work, a new acquaintance, or someone you want to show deference to. Choosing the correct form demonstrates cultural awareness and linguistic competence.
FAQ 3: Are there any variations to “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?” that still convey the same meaning?
Yes, several variations exist that are functionally equivalent to “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?”. One common alternative is “Tu fais quoi?”. This phrasing is slightly more informal and conversational but widely understood. It essentially inverts the structure while retaining the meaning.
Another variation, though less frequently used, is “Que fais-tu?”. This form involves inverting the subject and verb, which is more common in written French or more formal spoken contexts. However, it’s perfectly acceptable and easily recognized as meaning “What are you doing?”.
FAQ 4: Can I use “Que fais-tu?” in spoken French, or is it mainly for writing?
While “Que fais-tu?” is grammatically correct and means “What are you doing?”, it’s generally considered more formal and less common in everyday spoken French compared to “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?” or “Tu fais quoi?”. You’ll find it more frequently in written material, literature, or formal speeches.
However, using “Que fais-tu?” in spoken French wouldn’t be incorrect, and a native speaker would certainly understand you. It might simply sound a bit more stilted or elevated than the more colloquial options. Consider your audience and the context when choosing between these options.
FAQ 5: How would I ask “What are you up to?” in French, and is it different from “What are you doing?”
The French equivalent of “What are you up to?” is very similar to asking “What are you doing?”. You can still use “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?” or “Tu fais quoi?”. These phrases capture the general sense of inquiring about someone’s activities or current state, which is what “What are you up to?” implies.
While there isn’t a direct, word-for-word translation that perfectly mirrors the nuance of “What are you up to?”, the aforementioned phrases effectively convey the same informal and inquisitive tone. The context will further clarify whether you’re simply asking about their current activity or hinting at something more.
FAQ 6: What’s the best way to respond when someone asks me “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?”
A straightforward response to “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?” would be to describe your current activity. For example, you could say “Je lis un livre” (I’m reading a book), “Je regarde la télévision” (I’m watching television), or “Je travaille” (I’m working). The verb conjugation should match the “je” pronoun.
Alternatively, you can offer a more vague or general answer if you don’t want to go into detail. “Rien de spécial” (Nothing special) is a common response, as is “Pas grand-chose” (Not much). You could also turn the question back on the person by adding “Et toi?” (And you?) after your response.
FAQ 7: Are there any regional variations in how this question is phrased or understood in different parts of France?
While the core phrases “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?” and “Qu’est-ce que vous faites?” are universally understood throughout France and other French-speaking regions, subtle regional variations can exist in more informal or slang-filled speech. These variations typically involve changes in vocabulary or sentence structure.
However, sticking to the standard phrases will ensure that you are understood by everyone, regardless of their regional background. Unless you are very familiar with a specific region’s colloquialisms, it is best to use the standard phrases to avoid any potential misunderstandings.