Italian Phrase
Cosa fai dopo il lavoro?
Meaning
The question asks 'What do you do after work?' It inquires about someone's plans or activities once the workday ends. It can be used to start a casual conversation about hobbies, errands, or relaxation routines.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal settings with friends, colleagues, or acquaintances when you want to know about their after‑work routine or invite them to do something together.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cosafaidopoillavoro?
Cosa
Interrogative pronoun meaning 'what'. It is used at the beginning of a question.
fai
Second‑person singular present of the verb fare (to do/make).
dopo il lavoro
Prepositional phrase meaning 'after work'. 'dopo' + definite article 'il' + noun.
Question mark
Italian questions are marked only with a final '?' (unlike English, no opening question mark).
🗨In Conversation
Cosa fai dopo il lavoro?
What do you do after work?
Di solito vado in palestra, ma stasera ho una cena con gli amici.
I usually go to the gym, but tonight I have dinner with friends.
✕Common Mistakes
Cosa fa dopo il lavoro?
Use the second‑person form 'fai' for 'you do', not the third‑person 'fa'.
Cosa fai dopo lavoro?
The article 'il' is required before 'lavoro' in this context.
Cosa fai dopo il lavoro?
Avoid using the formal 'Lei' form unless speaking to a stranger; then you would say 'Cosa fa dopo il lavoro?'
↔Alternatives
Che programmi hai dopo il lavoro?
What plans do you have after work?
Cosa fai una volta finito il lavoro?
What do you do once work is over?
Hai qualcosa in programma dopo il lavoro?
Do you have anything planned after work?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, work‑life balance often includes a "aperitivo" after the workday, especially in the north. Asking about after‑work plans can be a friendly way to suggest joining for a drink or a quick bite. Keep the tone informal; with strangers or in a formal business context you might prefer "Quali sono i suoi impegni dopo il lavoro?".