Italian Phrase
Che progetti hai per il futuro?
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to ask someone about their upcoming goals, career aspirations, or personal intentions. It uses the verb 'avere' (to have) to inquire about 'progetti' (projects or plans), reflecting a person's current vision for their life. It is versatile enough to cover both short-term milestones and long-term dreams.
When to use
Use this phrase when catching up with friends, during a networking event, or on a date to show interest in someone's life direction. It is appropriate for any situation where you want to move beyond small talk to more meaningful topics.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cheprogettihaiperilfuturo
Che (Interrogative)
An interrogative adjective meaning 'what' or 'which' that is used directly before a noun to ask for specific information.
Hai (Avere)
The second person singular present tense of 'avere'. In Italian, you 'have' plans rather than just 'making' them.
Per il futuro
Combines the preposition 'per' (for) with the definite article 'il' (the) and the noun 'futuro'.
🗨In Conversation
Che progetti hai per il futuro?
What plans do you have for the future?
Vorrei aprire un piccolo ristorante in Toscana.
I would like to open a small restaurant in Tuscany.
✕Common Mistakes
Cosa progetti hai per il futuro?
In this context, 'Che' acts as an interrogative adjective modifying 'progetti'. 'Cosa' is a pronoun and cannot directly precede a noun here.
Che progetti fai per il futuro?
While 'fare progetti' means 'to make plans', when asking what plans someone already possesses, 'hai' (have) is the more natural choice.
↔Alternatives
Cosa farai in futuro?
What will you do in the future?
Quali sono i tuoi piani?
What are your plans?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, discussing the future often involves a blend of professional ambition and quality of life. Asking this question is considered a sign of genuine interest in a person's character, but it is often met with 'Speriamo bene' (Let's hope for the best), reflecting a cultural tendency to remain humble or slightly superstitious about future success.