Signification
Asking about someone's current activity.
Contexte culturel
The 'Vykannya' (using Vy) is a sign of 'vychovanist' (upbringing). Even if you are older than someone, if they are in a position of service (like a waiter or clerk), it is polite to use 'Ви'. In regions like Galicia, the formal 'Ви' is used even more strictly. It's common to hear children address their parents or even older siblings as 'Ви'. Modern IT companies in Kyiv often adopt a 'Western' style where everyone uses 'ти', but 'Що ви робите?' remains the default for emails to clients or external partners. On social media, using 'ви' with a stranger in the comments is a way to keep a debate civil. Switching to 'ти' is often a sign that the argument is becoming heated or disrespectful.
The 'Safe' Question
If you are unsure whether to use 'ти' or 'ви', always choose 'ви'. It is never offensive to be too polite.
Literal Meaning
Remember that this is a literal question. If you ask it, be prepared for a detailed answer about what the person is actually doing!
Signification
Asking about someone's current activity.
The 'Safe' Question
If you are unsure whether to use 'ти' or 'ви', always choose 'ви'. It is never offensive to be too polite.
Literal Meaning
Remember that this is a literal question. If you ask it, be prepared for a detailed answer about what the person is actually doing!
Add 'Зараз'
Adding 'зараз' (now) makes the question sound more natural if you are asking about an immediate action.
The Head Nod
When asking this to a stranger, a slight nod of the head adds an extra layer of Ukrainian politeness.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct formal version of the question.
You are talking to your professor. How do you ask what they are doing?
With a professor, you must use the formal 'ви' and the corresponding verb ending '-ите'.
Fill in the missing verb ending for the formal 'you'.
Що ви роб____?
The 'ви' form of Class II verbs like 'робити' ends in '-ите'.
Match the phrase to the correct person.
To whom would you say 'Що ви робите?'
'Ви' is used for both plural (friends) and formal singular (boss, stranger).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Вибачте, пане. Що ви робите? B: Я ________ (шукаю) свою сумку.
The answer should be in the first person singular ('I' form).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYou are talking to your professor. How do you ask what they are doing?
With a professor, you must use the formal 'ви' and the corresponding verb ending '-ите'.
Що ви роб____?
The 'ви' form of Class II verbs like 'робити' ends in '-ите'.
To whom would you say 'Що ви робите?'
'Ви' is used for both plural (friends) and formal singular (boss, stranger).
A: Вибачте, пане. Що ви робите? B: Я ________ (шукаю) свою сумку.
The answer should be in the first person singular ('I' form).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, if you want to be formal and polite. It is the standard way to address a stranger, teacher, or boss.
Not exactly. 'What's up?' is more like 'Як справи?' or 'Що нового?'. 'Що ви робите?' is more literal.
Usually with 'Я...' (I am...) + a verb. For example: 'Я працюю' (I am working).
'Робите' is the conjugation for 'ви' (plural/formal). 'Робиш' is for 'ти' (informal).
Yes, but 'Чим ви займаєтеся?' or 'Як просуваються ваші справи?' is often more professional in writing.
In some dialects or fast speech, yes, but the correct standard pronunciation is 'Shcho'.
Most Ukrainians are forgiving to learners, but it's best to apologize and switch to 'ви'.
It can, but 'Ким ви працюєте?' is the specific way to ask about a job.
The structure is the same, but the frequency of formal 'ви' is generally higher there.
Only if you are addressing more than one child. For one child, use 'Що ти робиш?'.
In very casual speech, people might just say 'Що робите?', dropping the 'ви'.
Only if your tone is angry. Normally, it is a very neutral and polite inquiry.
Expressions liées
Що ти робиш?
similarWhat are you doing? (Informal)
Чим ви займаєтеся?
specialized formWhat are you occupied with?
Як справи?
similarHow are things?
Що нового?
similarWhat's new?
Що трапилося?
contrastWhat happened?
Ви зайняті?
builds onAre you busy?
