Hey guys! Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you're chatting with someone and want to ask about their profession or what they do for a living? It’s a pretty common question, right? But if you’re talking to someone who speaks Hindi, you might be wondering how to phrase that question correctly. Well, let's dive into the various ways you can ask "So what do you do?" in Hindi, along with their meanings, contexts, and some handy examples.

Understanding the Basic Translation

The most straightforward translation of "So what do you do?" in Hindi is "Aap kya karte hain?" Let’s break it down:

• Aap (आप): This is the formal way of saying "you." It's used to show respect, especially when speaking to someone older than you or someone you don't know well.
• Kya (क्या): This means "what."
• Karte (करते): This is the verb "to do" in its continuous or habitual form.
• Hain (हैं): This is the present tense auxiliary verb, which completes the sentence. It indicates respect when used with "Aap."

So, putting it all together, "Aap kya karte hain?" politely asks, "What do you do?" or "What is your occupation?"

Usage and Context

This phrase is versatile and can be used in various settings. Whether you're at a formal event, meeting someone for the first time, or speaking to a senior colleague, "Aap kya karte hain?" is a safe and respectful way to inquire about their profession. It implies that you are interested in knowing more about them and their work life. Remember, using the formal "Aap" shows that you respect the person you are talking to, which is always a good way to start a conversation.

Example Conversations

Let's look at a couple of examples to illustrate how you might use this phrase in a conversation:

Example 1:

• You: Namaste! Aap kaise hain? (Hello! How are you?)
• Them: Main theek hoon, dhanyavaad. Aap kaise hain? (I am fine, thank you. How are you?)
• You: Main bhi theek hoon. Toh, aap kya karte hain? (I am also fine. So, what do you do?)
• Them: Main ek software engineer hoon. (I am a software engineer.)

Example 2:

• You: Good evening, sir. Aap kya karte hain? (Good evening, sir. What do you do?)
• Them: Good evening. Main ek professor hoon. (Good evening. I am a professor.)

Informal Ways to Ask “What Do You Do?”

While "Aap kya karte hain?" is the most common and respectful way to ask about someone's profession, there are also informal ways to ask the same question. These are suitable for use with friends, family, or people you know well. Let's explore some of these options.

1. Tum kya karte ho? (तुम क्या करते हो?)

This is the informal version of "Aap kya karte hain?" Here’s the breakdown:

• Tum (तुम): This means "you" but is used informally. It's appropriate for friends, younger siblings, or people you are close to.
• Kya (क्या): Still means "what."
• Karte ho (करते हो): This is the informal form of "to do."

So, "Tum kya karte ho?" translates directly to "What do you do?" but in a casual manner.

Usage and Context

Use this phrase when you are speaking to someone you are familiar with. It’s perfect for casual conversations where formality isn't necessary. For instance, if you're hanging out with a friend and want to know about their job or studies, this is the way to go. Using "Tum" with someone you don't know well can come off as disrespectful, so always consider your relationship with the person.

Example Conversations

Example 1:

• You: Hi yaar! Kya haal hai? (Hi friend! How are you?)
• Them: Sab theek hai. Tum batao? (Everything is fine. You tell me?)
• You: Main bhi mast. Tum kya karte ho aajkal? (I am also great. What do you do these days?)
• Them: Main ek marketing agency mein kaam karta hoon. (I work in a marketing agency.)

Example 2:

• You: Hey! Kya chal raha hai? (Hey! What's going on?)
• Them: Bas, padhai kar raha hoon. (Just studying.)
• You: Achha, tum kya karte ho waise? (Okay, what do you do anyway?)
• Them: Main engineering kar raha hoon. (I am studying engineering.)

2. Kya karte ho? (क्या करते हो?)

This is an even more concise and casual way to ask the same question. By omitting the pronoun "Tum," the question becomes very informal and is typically used among close friends or family members.

Usage and Context

This version is super casual and should only be used with people you're very comfortable with. It's the kind of question you might throw out while chatting with a sibling or a very close friend. It implies a level of familiarity where explicit pronouns aren't necessary.

Example Conversations

Example 1:

• You: Aur batao? (Tell me more?)
• Them: Bas, ghar par hoon. (Just at home.)
• You: Kya karte ho? (What do you do?)
• Them: Film dekh raha hoon. (Watching a movie.)

Example 2:

• You: Kya plan hai aaj ka? (What’s the plan for today?)
• Them: Kuchh nahin. (Nothing much.)
• You: Kya karte ho? (What do you do?)
• Them: Abhi toh free hoon. (I am free right now.)

Other Ways to Ask About Someone’s Profession

Apart from the direct translations of "What do you do?" there are other ways to inquire about someone's profession in Hindi. These variations can add nuance and specificity to your question.

1. Aapka profession kya hai? (आपका प्रोफ़ेशन क्या है?)

This phrase uses the English word "profession" and directly asks, "What is your profession?" It’s a slightly more formal way to inquire and is suitable when you want to be clear and direct.

• Aapka (आपका): Your (formal).
• Profession (प्रोफ़ेशन): Profession.
• Kya hai (क्या है): What is.

Usage and Context

This phrase is useful in formal settings where you want to be precise about asking for someone's profession. It's also helpful if you think the person might be more familiar with the English word "profession."

Example Conversations

Example 1:

• You: Namaste, main aapka introduction jaanna chahta hoon. Aapka profession kya hai? (Hello, I would like to know your introduction. What is your profession?)
• Them: Namaste, main ek doctor hoon. (Hello, I am a doctor.)

Example 2:

• You: Good morning. Aapka profession kya hai, please? (Good morning. What is your profession, please?)
• Them: Main ek teacher hoon. (I am a teacher.)

2. Aap kya kaam karte hain? (आप क्या काम करते हैं?)

This translates to "What work do you do?" or "What kind of work do you do?" It’s a polite way to ask about someone’s job or occupation.

• Aap (आप): You (formal).
• Kya (क्या): What.
• Kaam (काम): Work.
• Karte hain (करते हैं): Do.

Usage and Context

This phrase is suitable for both formal and semi-formal settings. It's a polite way to ask about someone's work without being too direct. It’s especially useful if you want to understand the nature of their work in more detail.

Example Conversations

Example 1:

• You: Hello, aap kya kaam karte hain? (Hello, what work do you do?)
• Them: Main ek accountant hoon. (I am an accountant.)

Example 2:

• You: Good afternoon. Aap kya kaam karte hain aajkal? (Good afternoon. What work do you do these days?)
• Them: Main ek freelance writer hoon. (I am a freelance writer.)

3. Aap jeevika ke liye kya karte hain? (आप जीविका के लिए क्या करते हैं?)

This phrase translates to "What do you do for a living?" It’s a more formal and slightly philosophical way to ask about someone’s source of income or livelihood.

• Aap (आप): You (formal).
• Jeevika (जीविका): Livelihood.
• Ke liye (के लिए): For.
• Kya (क्या): What.
• Karte hain (करते हैं): Do.

Usage and Context

This phrase is best used in more formal or serious conversations. It implies a deeper interest in understanding how someone sustains themselves. It’s not something you’d typically use in a casual setting but is appropriate when you want to show genuine interest in someone’s life and work.

Example Conversations

Example 1:

• You: Main aapke bare mein aur jaanna chahta hoon. Aap jeevika ke liye kya karte hain? (I want to know more about you. What do you do for a living?)
• Them: Main ek social worker hoon. (I am a social worker.)

Example 2:

• You: Aap jeevika ke liye kya karte hain, agar aapko bura na lage toh? (What do you do for a living, if you don’t mind me asking?)
• Them: Main ek artist hoon. (I am an artist.)

Key Takeaways

So, to wrap things up, here’s a quick recap of how to ask "So what do you do?" in Hindi:

• "Aap kya karte hain?": The most common and respectful way to ask in formal settings.
• "Tum kya karte ho?": An informal version for friends and family.
• "Kya karte ho?": A very casual version for close friends.
• "Aapka profession kya hai?": Direct translation using the word "profession."
• "Aap kya kaam karte hain?": Asks about the kind of work someone does.
• "Aap jeevika ke liye kya karte hain?": A more philosophical way of asking what someone does for a living.

By understanding these different options and their contexts, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate conversations about professions in Hindi with ease and respect. Happy chatting, and remember to choose the phrase that best fits your relationship with the person you're speaking to!