Italian Phrase
Cosa fai per divertirti?
Meaning
Literally “What do you do for to amuse yourself?”, i.e., “What do you do for fun?” It asks the listener to describe the activities they enjoy in their free time.
When to use
Use this informal question when you’re chatting with friends, classmates, or anyone you feel comfortable with. It’s perfect for small‑talk, getting to know someone’s hobbies, or sparking a conversation about leisure activities.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cosafaiperdivertirti
Cosa
Interrogative pronoun meaning “what”. It can appear alone or as “che cosa”.
fai
Second‑person singular present of the verb *fare* (to do/make).
per + infinitive
The preposition *per* followed by an infinitive expresses purpose or reason: “for …”.
divertirti
Infinitive of *divertire* with the reflexive pronoun *ti* attached, meaning “to have fun / to amuse yourself”.
🗨In Conversation
Cosa fai per divertirti?
What do you do for fun?
Mi piace andare in bicicletta e guardare film. E tu?
I like cycling and watching movies. And you?
✕Common Mistakes
Cosa fai per divertire?
The verb must be reflexive (divertirti) because you’re asking about the listener’s own enjoyment.
Cosa fai per divertire te?
Do not separate the reflexive pronoun from the infinitive; it attaches directly to the verb.
Che fai per divertirti?
While understandable, the standard interrogative is *Cosa* or *Che cosa*; dropping the pronoun can sound abrupt.
↔Alternatives
Che cosa fai per divertirti?
What do you do for fun?
Cosa ti piace fare per divertimento?
What do you like to do for entertainment?
Quali sono i tuoi passatempi?
What are your pastimes?
Cultural Tip
Italians love to talk about their hobbies, especially food‑related activities, sports, and social gatherings. When answering, feel free to mention both solitary and group activities – it shows you’re open and sociable. In the north, people might mention hiking or skiing, while in the south, beach‑related pastimes are common.