Spanish Phrase
¿Qué andas haciendo últimamente?
Meaning
This question asks someone what they have been up to lately, focusing on recent activities or projects. It conveys curiosity and can be used in informal conversations among friends or acquaintances.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to catch up with someone you haven't spoken to in a while, or when you notice a change in their routine and want to know more about their recent endeavors.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Quéandashaciendoúltimamente?
Qué (interrogative)
Used to ask "what"; it introduces a question about an action or thing.
Andar + gerundio
The verb "andar" followed by a gerund (e.g., "haciendo") expresses an ongoing activity, similar to "to be doing" in English.
Gerundio (haciendo)
The gerund form of "hacer" (to do/make) indicates a continuous action.
Últimamente (adverb)
Means "lately" or "recently" and typically appears at the end of the sentence.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué andas haciendo últimamente?
What have you been up to lately?
He estado aprendiendo a tocar la guitarra y trabajando en un nuevo proyecto en la oficina.
I've been learning to play the guitar and working on a new project at the office.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Qué andé haciendo últimamente?
"Andar" is a verb meaning "to go/ to be doing"; it should stay in the infinitive form "andas" in this question.
¿Qué andas hago últimamente?
Do not replace "haciendo" with "hago" because the progressive form is required after "andas".
¿Qué andas últimamente haciendo?
The adverb should be placed at the end of the sentence; moving it before the verb sounds unnatural.
↔Alternatives
¿Qué has estado haciendo últimamente?
What have you been doing lately?
¿Qué haces últimamente?
What are you doing lately?
¿En qué has estado ocupado/a recientemente?
What have you been busy with recently?
Cultural Tip
In Spanish‑speaking cultures, asking about someone's recent activities is a friendly way to show interest and maintain social bonds. The verb "andar" used here adds a casual, colloquial tone; in more formal settings you might prefer "¿Qué ha estado haciendo...?".