Italian Phrase
Cosa fai dopo cena?
Meaning
Literally “What do you do after dinner?” It is used to ask someone about their plans or routine once the evening meal is finished. The question is informal and assumes a familiar relationship between speakers.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual conversation with friends, family, or classmates, typically right after you’ve finished eating together or when you’re arranging evening activities.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cosafaidopocena?
Cosa
Interrogative pronoun meaning “what”. It is placed at the beginning of a question.
fai
Second‑person singular present of the verb *fare* (to do / to make).
dopo
Preposition meaning “after”. When followed by a noun it does not need an article.
cena
Noun meaning “dinner”. In the expression *dopo cena* the article is omitted, a common Italian idiom.
🗨In Conversation
Cosa fai dopo cena?
What are you doing after dinner?
Vado al cinema con Marco.
I’m going to the cinema with Marco.
✕Common Mistakes
Che fai dopo cena?
‘Che’ is an adjective meaning ‘which’; the correct interrogative pronoun for “what” is *cosa*.
Cosa fa dopo cena?
Using *fa* is third‑person singular; when speaking directly to someone you need the second‑person form *fai* (or the formal *fa* with *Lei*).
Cosa fai dopo la cena?
In the idiomatic expression *dopo cena* the article is omitted; adding *la* is not wrong but sounds less natural in everyday speech.
↔Alternatives
Che programmi hai dopo cena?
What plans do you have after dinner?
Cosa farai dopo cena?
What will you do after dinner?
Hai qualcosa in programma dopo cena?
Do you have anything planned after dinner?
Cultural Tip
In most parts of Italy dinner is served later than in many other countries, often around 8‑9 p.m. After the meal Italians may take a short walk (*la passeggiata*), enjoy a coffee, or meet friends for an *aperitivo*. Using the informal *tu* form (fai) signals familiarity; with strangers you would switch to the formal *fa* (Lei) – *Cosa fa dopo cena?*.