Italian Phrase
A cosa stai giocando adesso?
Meaning
Literally, 'To what are you playing now?' It asks someone what game or activity they are currently engaged in. In everyday speech it can refer to video games, board games, or any playful activity.
When to use
Use this question when you see someone occupied with a game or a playful task and you want to know which one. It works both in casual conversation with friends and in a slightly more formal setting, like asking a child what they are playing in a classroom.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Acosastaigiocandoadesso?
A cosa
The interrogative phrase 'A cosa' means 'what' when asking about an object of a verb, literally 'to what'.
stai + gerundio
The progressive present is formed with the verb 'stare' + gerund, indicating an ongoing action.
giocare (gerundio)
The gerund of 'giocare' is 'giocando', meaning 'playing'.
adesso
Adesso means 'now' and is placed at the end of the sentence for emphasis.
🗨In Conversation
A cosa stai giocando adesso?
What are you playing right now?
Sto giocando a scacchi con Marco.
I'm playing chess with Marco.
✕Common Mistakes
Che cosa stai giocando adesso?
While understandable, native speakers prefer 'A cosa' after verbs of playing.
Stai giocando a cosa adesso?
The preposition 'a' should precede the interrogative, not after the verb.
A cosa giochi adesso?
Using the simple present 'giocare' loses the sense of an ongoing action; the progressive 'stai giocando' is more natural here.
↔Alternatives
Che cosa stai facendo adesso?
What are you doing now?
A cosa ti stai dedicando adesso?
What are you dedicating yourself to now?
Stai giocando a cosa adesso?
What are you playing now?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, asking about games is often informal and can be a quick way to start a conversation, especially among younger people. If you’re speaking to someone you don’t know well, you might soften the question with 'Mi sai dire' (Can you tell me) to keep the tone polite.