When learning English, one of the most common questions Chinese speakers ask is: "How do you say '干什么' in English?" The answer depends on the context. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the most accurate translations, along with examples and usage tips.

Basic Translations of "干什么"

The phrase "干什么" can be translated in several ways, each fitting different situations:

• "What are you doing?" – A general question about someone’s current activity.

  • Example: "Hey, what are you doing this weekend?"

• "What do you do?" – Used to ask about someone’s job or profession.

  • Example: "So, what do you do for a living?"

• "What's going on?" – A casual way to ask about a situation.

  • Example: "You look upset—what's going on?"

• "What’s the matter?" – When asking about a problem.

  • Example: "You seem worried—what’s the matter?"

More Context-Specific Translations

Depending on the tone and intent, "干什么" can also be expressed differently:

• "What’s up?" – A very informal greeting.

  

  • Example: "Hey, what’s up? Long time no see!"

• "What are you up to?" – A slightly more casual version of "What are you doing?"

  • Example: "I haven’t heard from you in a while—what are you up to these days?"

• "Why are you doing this?" – If the question implies confusion or frustration.

  • Example: "You’re making a mess—why are you doing this?"

Formal vs. Informal Usage

The way you translate "干什么" depends on the level of formality:

• Formal settings (work, business, academic):

  • "What is your occupation?" (Instead of "What do you do?")
  • "May I ask what you are working on?" (Polite alternative)

• Informal settings (friends, family, casual conversations):

  • "Whatcha doing?" (Slang for "What are you doing?")
  • "What’s the deal?" (Very casual, sometimes used humorously)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some learners directly translate "干什么" as "What to do?"—this is incorrect in most cases. Instead, use:

• "What should I do?" (Asking for advice)
• "What are you doing?" (Asking about an action)

Another mistake is confusing "What do you do?" (job-related) with "What are you doing?" (current activity).

Advanced Phrases for Fluent Expression

To sound more natural, try these variations:

• "What brings you here?" – Asking the reason for someone’s presence.
• "What’s happening?" – Similar to "What’s going on?" but more general.
• "What’s the purpose?" – When asking about intentions.

Practical Examples in Conversations

Let’s see how these phrases work in real-life dialogues:

Situation 1: A friend calls you unexpectedly.

• You: "Hey, what’s up?"
• Friend: "Just checking in—wanted to see how you’re doing."

Situation 2: A colleague seems stressed.

• You: "What’s the matter? You look worried."
• Colleague: "I have a deadline coming up and I’m behind."

Situation 3: Meeting someone new at a party.

• You: "So, what do you do?"
• Them: "I’m a software engineer. How about you?"

Cultural Nuances to Consider

In English-speaking cultures, asking "What do you do?" is common in social settings, but some people prefer not to define themselves by their jobs. Alternatives include:

• "How do you spend your time?"
• "What are you passionate about?"

This makes the conversation more personal and less transactional.

Expanding Your Vocabulary

To master these phrases, practice using them in different contexts. Here are related words to learn:

• Occupation (formal word for job)
• Activity (what someone is doing)
• Situation (the current circumstances)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Final Thoughts

Learning how to say "干什么" in English involves more than direct translation—it’s about understanding context, tone, and cultural norms. By practicing these phrases, you’ll communicate more naturally and avoid common mistakes.

Whether you’re asking about someone’s job, checking in on a friend, or expressing concern, choosing the right phrase makes all the difference. Keep experimenting with these expressions, and soon, they’ll become second nature.