Italian Phrase
Cosa fai la sera?
Meaning
This phrase is a standard way to inquire about someone's routine or specific plans for the evening hours. It utilizes the verb 'fare' (to do/make) in the present tense to cover both habitual actions and immediate future intentions.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual conversation to get to know someone's hobbies or to initiate social plans. It is a common icebreaker during afternoon chats with friends or colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cosafailasera
Cosa
An interrogative pronoun meaning 'what'. In spoken Italian, it is frequently used instead of the more formal 'che cosa'.
Fai
The second-person singular form of 'fare', one of the most versatile irregular verbs in Italian.
La sera
The feminine noun 'sera' preceded by the definite article 'la' indicates a recurring time or a general time frame.
🗨In Conversation
Cosa fai la sera?
What do you do in the evening?
Di solito leggo un libro o guardo la TV.
Usually I read a book or watch TV.
✕Common Mistakes
Cosa fai in la sera?
Italian uses the definite article 'la' or the preposition 'di' to indicate times of day; 'in la' is grammatically incorrect.
Che cosa fai per sera?
Avoid using 'per' for time periods like this; 'la sera' functions as an adverbial phrase on its own.
↔Alternatives
Che fai stasera?
What are you doing tonight?
Come passi di solito la serata?
How do you usually spend the evening?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, the evening often revolves around 'la cena' (dinner), which is usually eaten later than in many English-speaking countries. Asking this question might prompt a discussion about 'l'aperitivo' or a 'passeggiata' (a leisurely stroll) through the city center.