What are you doing
Use this for 'What are you doing right now?'. It's the most direct translation and very common.
The formal version, used when addressing someone with 'usted' (an elder, a stranger, a boss).
A very common, informal way to say 'What are you up to?' or 'What's happening?'.
Hi, Maria. I'm calling to say hello. What are you doing?
I see you're busy. What are you doing (right now)?
Good afternoon, Mr. Perez. What are you doing?
Hey! What are you up to? Should we go for a coffee?
The choice between '¿Qué haces?' (simple present) and '¿Qué estás haciendo?' (present progressive) is important. '¿Qué haces?' can mean 'What do you do?' or 'What are you doing?'. '¿Qué estás haciendo?' specifically means 'What are you doing right now?'.
The informal 'tú' is replaced with 'vos'. The question becomes '¿Qué hacés?', with the stress on the last syllable. The pronunciation is 'keh ah-SESS'.
For informal plural (addressing a group of friends), 'vosotros' is used, making the question '¿Qué hacéis?' or '¿Qué estáis haciendo?'.
The formal 'usted' is used more frequently than in many other countries, even among peers. So, hearing '¿Qué hace?' in a seemingly informal context is common.
Mixing verb forms, for example: '¿Qué estás haces?' — This is incorrect. You must choose one form: either the simple present '¿Qué haces?' or the present progressive '¿Qué estás haciendo?'. You cannot combine them.
Using the wrong level of formality, like using '¿Qué haces?' with a police officer. — Always use the formal '¿Qué hace?' (for 'usted') with strangers, authority figures, or older people. '¿Qué haces?' (for 'tú') is reserved for friends, family, and peers.
Pronouncing the 'h' in 'haces' or 'haciendo'. — In Spanish, the letter 'h' is always silent unless it's part of the 'ch' sound. The correct pronunciation is 'AH-sess', not 'HA-sess'.
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