Italian Phrase
Cosa fai all'intervallo?
Meaning
Literally, “What do you do at the break?” It is the usual way to ask a classmate or a friend what they plan to do during the school recess or any short interval.
When to use
Use this informal question among peers, classmates, or even a teacher who wants to know a student’s plans for the break. It is not appropriate in very formal settings or with strangers you don’t know well.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cosafaiall'intervallo?
Cosa
Interrogative pronoun meaning 'what', used to ask about an action or thing.
fai
Second‑person singular present of the verb *fare* (to do/make).
all'
Contraction of the preposition *a* + the definite article *l'* (the).
intervallo
Noun meaning 'break' or 'interval' (in school context).
Question mark
Italian questions are marked only with a final question mark; the opening *?* is optional in informal writing.
🗨In Conversation
Cosa fai all'intervallo?
What are you doing during the break?
Vado a comprare un gelato con Luca.
I’m going to buy an ice‑cream with Luca.
✕Common Mistakes
Cosa fai al intervallo?
The article *l'* must contract with the preposition *a* → *all'*; otherwise it sounds unnatural.
Cosa stai facendo all'intervallo?
Using the progressive *stai facendo* is grammatically correct but sounds overly formal for a quick school‑yard question.
Cosa fai all’intervallo?
The accent on the apostrophe is not needed; use a straight apostrophe.
↔Alternatives
Che cosa fai durante l'intervallo?
What are you doing during the break?
Cosa fai a pausa?
What are you doing at break?
Hai programmi per l'intervallo?
Do you have any plans for the break?
Cultural Tip
In Italian schools the *intervallo* usually lasts 15‑20 minutes. Students often grab a snack, chat with friends, or head to the school courtyard. Asking "Cosa fai all'intervallo?" can be a quick way to arrange a meet‑up or simply show interest in a classmate’s routine.