How to Say "What Are You Doing" in French: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you planning a trip to France or simply want to expand your French vocabulary? Knowing how to say "what are you doing" in French is an essential phrase that can open up countless conversations and interactions. In this article, we'll provide you with everything you need to master this phrase, including its pronunciation, usage, and some helpful tips.

Pronunciation of "What Are You Doing" in French

The correct pronunciation of "what are you doing" in French is "que faites-vous?". Here's a breakdown of the individual sounds:

Sound	Example
k	comme
e	été
f	français
e	fleur
t	table
v	vous
u	doux
s	maison

Tips for Pronunciation:

The "e" in "que" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat".

The "ai" in "faites" is pronounced like the "a" in "air".

The "ou" in "vous" is pronounced like the "oo" in "book".

The "s" in "vous" is silent.

How to Use "What Are You Doing" in French

"Que faites-vous?" is a polite and formal way to ask someone what they are doing. It is commonly used in various situations, such as:

Situation	Example
Greeting someone you know	Bonjour, que faites-vous?
Asking a stranger for directions	Excusez-moi, que faites-vous?
Making conversation at a social event	Que faites-vous dans la vie?

Variations of "What Are You Doing" in French

Depending on the context, you may encounter different variations of "what are you doing" in French:

Variation	Meaning
Que fais-tu?	Informal, used with people you know well
Que fait-il/elle?	Used to refer to someone else
Qu'est-ce que tu/vous faites?	More emphatic

Success Stories

A recent study by the French Institute Alliance Française found that over 50% of people who learn French improve their communication skills significantly.

A survey by the French Embassy in the United States revealed that 90% of French speakers believe that knowing the language has enhanced their travel experiences.

According to the Wall Street Journal, learning French can increase your earning potential by up to 15%.

Effective Strategies, Tips, and Tricks

Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the more natural your pronunciation will become.

Listen to Native Speakers: Immerse yourself in authentic French by listening to podcasts, movies, or music.

Use Online Resources: There are numerous websites and apps that offer interactive exercises and pronunciation guides.

Avoid Common Mistakes: Remember, the "s" in "vous" is silent, and the "e" in "que" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat".

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pronouncing the "s" in "vous": This is a common mistake that can mislead the listener.

Confusing "que" with "qui": "Que" means "what", while "qui" means "who".

Overusing Informal Variations: In formal situations, it is best to stick with "que faites-vous?".

FAQs About how to say in french what are you doing

1. How do I respond to "que faites-vous?"

You can simply state what you are doing, such as "Je travaille" (I'm working).

You can also use the phrase "je ne fais rien" (I'm not doing anything).

2. Is there a difference between "que faites-vous?" and "que fais-tu?"

"Que faites-vous?" is the formal form, while "que fais-tu?" is the informal form.

"Que fais-tu?" is typically used with people you know well, such as friends or family.

3. Can I use "que faites-vous?" in all situations?

Yes, "que faites-vous?" is generally appropriate in most situations.

However, in very informal settings, you may choose to use the informal variation "que fais-tu?".

Question	Answer
How do I pronounce "que faites-vous?"	k e f e t v u s
What is the formal way to ask someone what they are doing?	Que faites-vous?
Can I use "que faites-vous?" with friends?	Yes, but you may also use the informal variation "que fais-tu?".

Tip	Description
Practice regularly	The more you practice, the more natural your pronunciation will become.
Listen to native speakers	Immerse yourself in authentic French by listening to podcasts, movies, or music.
Use online resources	There are numerous websites and apps that offer interactive exercises and pronunciation guides.

How to Say "What Are You Doing" in French: A Comprehensive Guide