what are you doing in spanish

2 min read 22-01-2025

What Are You Doing in Spanish? A Comprehensive Guide to Asking and Answering

"¿Qué estás haciendo?" This simple phrase opens up a world of possibilities in Spanish conversation. Knowing how to ask and answer "What are you doing?" is essential for everyday interactions. This guide explores the nuances of this common question, providing various ways to ask and respond, depending on the context and level of formality.

How to Ask "What Are You Doing?" in Spanish

The most common way to ask "What are you doing?" in Spanish is:

"¿Qué estás haciendo?" (keh eh-STAS ah-SEE-en-doh?)

This translates literally to "What are you doing?" and is suitable for informal settings with friends and family.

Here are some other ways to ask, each with slightly different connotations:

"¿Qué haces?" (keh AH-ses?) - This is a more concise and informal version, literally meaning "What do you do?". It's suitable for quick, casual conversations.
"¿En qué estás ocupado/a?" (en keh eh-STAS oh-koo-PAH-doh/-ah?) - This translates to "What are you busy with?" and is a more formal way of asking. Use "-o" for male and "-a" for female.
"¿Qué andas haciendo?" (keh AHN-das ah-SEE-en-doh?) - This is a more colloquial and informal way to ask, implying a sense of ongoing activity.

How to Answer "What Are You Doing?" in Spanish

Your response will depend on what you're actually doing! Here are a few examples:

"Estoy leyendo un libro." (eh-stoy leh-YEE-en-doh oon LEE-broh) - I'm reading a book.
"Estoy trabajando." (eh-stoy trah-bah-HAHN-doh) - I'm working.
"Estoy cocinando la cena." (eh-stoy koh-see-NAHN-doh lah SEH-nah) - I'm cooking dinner.
"Estoy viendo la televisión." (eh-stoy vee-EN-doh lah teh-leh-vee-see-OHN) - I'm watching television.
"No estoy haciendo nada." (noh eh-stoy ah-SEE-en-doh NAH-dah) - I'm not doing anything.
"Estoy descansando." (eh-stoy dehs-kahn-SAHN-doh) - I'm resting.
"Estoy hablando con un amigo." (eh-stoy ah-BLAHN-doh kohn oon ah-MEE-goh) - I'm talking to a friend.

Adding Nuance to Your Response

You can make your answers more detailed and interesting by adding information:

Specify what you are reading, watching, or doing: Instead of "Estoy leyendo un libro," you could say "Estoy leyendo un libro de misterio," (I'm reading a mystery book).
Describe the activity in more detail: Instead of "Estoy trabajando," you could say "Estoy trabajando en un proyecto muy importante." (I'm working on a very important project).
Explain your feelings about the activity: You can add phrases like "Estoy disfrutando mucho" (I'm enjoying it very much) or "Estoy un poco aburrido/a" (I'm a little bored).

Understanding the Context

The best way to ask and answer "What are you doing?" in Spanish depends heavily on the context. Consider your relationship with the person you're speaking to and the overall situation. Using the informal "¿Qué haces?" with a boss would be inappropriate, while using the formal "¿En qué estás ocupado/a?" with a close friend might sound stiff.

Mastering the Question and Answer

By understanding the various ways to ask and answer "What are you doing?" in Spanish, you'll significantly enhance your conversational skills. Practice using different phrases in various scenarios to build confidence and fluency. Remember to pay attention to the context to choose the most appropriate expression. With a little practice, you'll be able to effortlessly navigate these common conversational exchanges.

what are you doing in spanish