Italian Phrase
Che hai in programma oggi?
Meaning
This phrase is a natural way to ask someone about their daily schedule or intentions. It literally translates to 'What do you have in the program today?', using the noun 'programma' to refer to a plan or agenda. It is a versatile expression that sounds friendly and informal.
When to use
Use this phrase when speaking with friends, family, or colleagues in a casual setting. It is the perfect icebreaker for a morning conversation or when you are trying to coordinate plans for the afternoon.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Chehaiin programmaoggi
Che
An interrogative pronoun meaning 'what'. In Italian, you can use 'che', 'cosa', or 'che cosa' interchangeably in most contexts.
Hai
The second-person singular of the verb 'avere' (to have). Remember that the 'h' is always silent in Italian pronunciation.
In programma
This is a fixed prepositional phrase. 'Programma' means program or schedule, and 'in' indicates the state of being on that schedule.
🗨In Conversation
Buongiorno! Che hai in programma oggi?
Good morning! What do you have planned today?
Stamattina lavoro, ma nel pomeriggio sono libero.
I'm working this morning, but I'm free in the afternoon.
✕Common Mistakes
Cosa fai in programma oggi?
The idiom requires 'avere' (to have), not 'fare' (to do).
Che hai programma oggi?
The preposition 'in' is mandatory to complete the idiomatic expression 'in programma'.
↔Alternatives
Cosa fai oggi?
What are you doing today?
Quali sono i tuoi piani per oggi?
What are your plans for today?
Che si dice per oggi?
What's the word for today? (slangy/informal)
Cultural Tip
In Italy, asking about someone's plans is a standard part of social grooming. It is often asked over a 'caffè' in the morning. Note that while it asks for a schedule, it is often just a way to show interest in the other person rather than a literal request for an itemized list of their tasks.