Signification
A standard question to ask about someone's current activity.
Contexte culturel
Asking 'What are you doing?' is a standard way to show 'Aapulki' (affection/closeness). It's often followed by 'Jeवलास का?' (Did you eat?). In Pune, people value correct grammar. Using 'kartoyas' instead of the slangy 'kartoy' will earn you more respect from locals. In Mumbai, the phrase is often mixed with Hindi. You might hear 'Tu kya kartoyas?' in a slangy 'Bambaiya' style. In villages, the 'Tu' register is used more broadly among men of the same age, even if they aren't close friends, as a sign of brotherhood.
Drop the 'Tu'
In casual speech, you can just say 'Kay kartoyas?'. The verb ending already implies 'you'.
The Gender Trap
Always check the gender of the person you are talking to. 'Kartoyas' for men, 'Karteyas' for women.
Signification
A standard question to ask about someone's current activity.
Drop the 'Tu'
In casual speech, you can just say 'Kay kartoyas?'. The verb ending already implies 'you'.
The Gender Trap
Always check the gender of the person you are talking to. 'Kartoyas' for men, 'Karteyas' for women.
Add 're' or 'ga'
Add 're' at the end for men (Kay kartoyas re?) or 'ga' for women (Kay karteyas ga?) to sound much more like a native speaker.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct verb form for a male friend.
तू काय _______?
'-toyas' is the masculine informal ending.
Which sentence is appropriate for your boss?
Choose the correct formal version:
'Tumhi' and the '-at ahat' ending are required for formal respect.
Complete the dialogue.
A: तू काय करतोयस? B: मी अभ्यास _______.
The first person singular masculine continuous is 'kar-toy'.
Match the phrase to the person.
To whom would you say 'तू काय करतोयस?'
This is an informal phrase suitable for family and friends.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Gender & Formality
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesतू काय _______?
'-toyas' is the masculine informal ending.
Choose the correct formal version:
'Tumhi' and the '-at ahat' ending are required for formal respect.
A: तू काय करतोयस? B: मी अभ्यास _______.
The first person singular masculine continuous is 'kar-toy'.
To whom would you say 'तू काय करतोयस?'
This is an informal phrase suitable for family and friends.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's too informal. Use 'तुम्ही काय करत आहात?' (Tumhi kay karat ahat?) instead.
The feminine version is 'तू काय करतेयस?' (Tu kay karteyas?).
You can say 'मी [action] करतोय'. For example, 'मी जेवतोय' (I am eating).
Almost. 'Kay challey?' is more like 'What's up?' while 'Tu kay kartoyas?' is more specifically 'What are you doing?'.
The 's' is the marker for the second person singular (you) in Marathi verb conjugation.
Absolutely not. It is strictly for spoken or informal written Marathi.
'Kay' means 'What'.
Yes, it's used all over Maharashtra, including Mumbai, though Mumbai slang might shorten it.
Use 'तुम्ही काय करत आहात?' (Tumhi kay karat ahat?) as 'Tumhi' is also the plural 'you'.
Yes, using 'Tu' with a stranger is generally considered impolite. Use 'Tumhi'.
Expressions liées
काय चाललंय?
similarWhat's going on?
तू काय करतेयस?
specialized formWhat are you doing? (Feminine)
तुम्ही काय करत आहात?
formalWhat are you doing? (Formal)
काय करतोय?
similarWhat's he doing? / What are you doing? (Slang)
