Learning a new language is fun—but sometimes you just want to know how to say something useful! A great phrase to start with is “What are you doing?” It’s something we say every day.
If you’ve ever wondered how to say what are you doing in Italian, this guide will show you exactly how—with the correct words, how to pronounce them, and when to use them in real life. 🇮🇹
1. The Main Phrase: “Cosa stai facendo?”
This is the most common way to ask:
✅ Cosa stai facendo?
(pronounced: KOH-zah sty fah-CHEN-doh)
It means: What are you doing?
You can use this with:
- Friends
- Family
- People your age
Real-life example:
You call your friend and say:
“Ehi! Cosa stai facendo?” (Hey! What are you doing?)
2. A More Casual Version: “Che fai?”
This one is short and easy!
✅ Che fai?
(pronounced: keh fy)
It means: What are you doing? but very casual.
You might hear this more in southern Italy or among close friends.
Example:
Texting your best friend:
“Che fai stasera?” (What are you doing tonight?)
3. A Polite Version: “Cosa sta facendo?”
This is for formal situations or talking to strangers.
✅ Cosa sta facendo?
(pronounced: KOH-zah stah fah-CHEN-doh)
It means: What are you doing? in a formal way.
Use this with:
- Teachers
- Elders
- Someone you don’t know well
4. What Not to Say
There aren’t many “wrong” ways—but tone matters!
❌ Don’t be too direct with strangers:
- Saying “Che fai?” to your boss might sound rude.
- Saying “Cosa stai facendo?” during someone’s quiet time might feel nosy.
Tip: When in doubt, use the polite version first.
5. Practice Makes Perfect! 🎉
Try using the phrase in fun ways:
- Ask your pet in a silly voice: “Che fai, gatto?” (What are you doing, cat?)
- Watch Italian shows with subtitles and listen for the phrase.
Final Thoughts: How to Say What Are You Doing in Italian
Now you know how to say what are you doing in Italian in many ways! Whether you’re texting a friend or talking to a teacher, you can use Cosa stai facendo?, Che fai?, or Cosa sta facendo? to sound more natural and confident. Keep practicing—you’ve got this! 🇮🇹✨