Italian Phrase
Stai uscendo?
Meaning
Literally, 'Are you going out?' It asks whether the listener is in the process of leaving a place or heading out for an activity. It can be used both for immediate action and for near‑future plans.
When to use
Use this informal question with friends, family, or peers when you want to confirm if they are about to leave the house, go out for a drink, or step out of a gathering. In formal contexts you would switch to 'Sta uscendo?' (3rd person singular).
✦Grammar Breakdown
Staiuscendo?
Stare + gerundio
In Italian the present progressive is formed with the verb 'stare' + gerund. Here 'stai' is the 2nd person singular present of 'stare'.
Gerundio di uscire
The gerund of 'uscire' is 'uscendo', formed by dropping the infinitive ending -ire and adding -endo.
Optional progressive
For many verbs the simple present ('esci?') can replace the progressive without changing meaning.
🗨In Conversation
Stai uscendo?
Are you going out?
Sì, vado al bar con Marco.
Yes, I'm heading to the bar with Marco.
✕Common Mistakes
Sei uscendo?
The auxiliary for the progressive is 'stare', not 'essere'.
Stai uscire?
The verb must be in gerund form, not infinitive.
Stai uscendo?
When speaking formally, use the third‑person form 'Sta uscendo?' instead of the informal 'Stai uscendo?'.
↔Alternatives
Esci?
Are you going out?
Stai per uscire?
Are you about to go out?
Hai intenzione di uscire?
Do you intend to go out?
Cultural Tip
In Italy the phrase is very informal and often used among peers when making spontaneous plans for nightlife or a quick coffee. Remember to match the register: use 'Stai uscendo?' with 'tu' and switch to 'Sta uscendo?' when speaking to someone you address with 'Lei'. In some southern regions people might say 'Te ne vai?' which carries a slightly different nuance of 'Are you leaving?'.