Italian Phrase
Cosa guardi stasera?
Meaning
Literally 'What are you watching tonight?' It is a casual way to ask someone about their TV, movie, or streaming plans for the evening.
When to use
Use this question in informal settings—among friends, family, or classmates—when you want to start a conversation about entertainment plans. It would sound too familiar in a formal business meeting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cosaguardistasera?
Cosa (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask 'what' and is placed at the beginning of the question.
guardi (present indicative, 2nd person singular)
Verb 'guardare' conjugated for 'tu'; in questions the verb stays in the same position after the interrogative pronoun.
stasera (adverb of time)
Means 'tonight' and does not change form; it can also appear as 'questa sera' for a slightly more formal tone.
🗨In Conversation
Cosa guardi stasera?
What are you watching tonight?
Stasera penso di vedere l'ultimo episodio di "La Casa di Carta".
I’m thinking of watching the latest episode of "Money Heist" tonight.
✕Common Mistakes
Che guardi stasera?
The interrogative pronoun should be 'cosa' or 'che cosa' placed before the verb; 'che guardi' sounds incomplete.
Cosa guardare stasera?
The verb must be conjugated for the subject; the infinitive 'guardare' is incorrect here.
Cosa guardi questa notte?
'Questa notte' refers to the period after midnight, while 'stasera' covers the evening; use 'stasera' for typical evening plans.
↔Alternatives
Che cosa guardi stasera?
What are you watching tonight?
Cosa guardi questa sera?
What are you watching this evening?
Che programmi hai per stasera?
What plans do you have for tonight?
Che film guardi stasera?
Which movie are you watching tonight?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, 'guardare' is the go‑to verb for TV, movies, and streaming series, while 'vedere' can also be used but sounds a bit more formal. Italians love to discuss the latest series over a glass of wine, so asking "Cosa guardi stasera?" often leads to a lively chat about favorite shows and recommendations.