Spanish Phrase
¿Qué estás viendo?
Meaning
This phrase uses the present continuous tense to ask what someone is currently observing or watching. It is most frequently used when referring to visual media like movies, television shows, or videos on a smartphone.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal situations when you see a friend, family member, or colleague focused on a screen or a specific event. It serves as a natural conversation starter to show interest in their current activity.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Quéestásviendo?
Qué
The interrogative pronoun for 'what', which always carries an accent mark when used in a question.
Estás
The second-person singular form of 'estar' (to be), used here to indicate a temporary, ongoing action.
Viendo
The gerund form of the verb 'ver' (to see/watch), created by adding the '-iendo' suffix to the root.
🗨In Conversation
Hola, ¿qué estás viendo?
Hi, what are you watching?
Estoy viendo un documental sobre volcanes.
I am watching a documentary about volcanoes.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Qué eres viendo?
In Spanish, the continuous tense always requires the auxiliary verb 'estar', not 'ser'.
¿Qué estás mirar?
After the auxiliary verb 'estar', you must use the gerund form (ending in -ando or -iendo) rather than the infinitive.
↔Alternatives
¿Qué ves?
What do you see? / What are you watching?
¿Qué miras?
What are you looking at?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking regions, 'ver' is the standard verb for watching media, whereas 'mirar' can imply a more intentional 'looking at' or 'staring'. Asking this is a very common way to bond over shared interests in pop culture or news.