你做什么工作？

Place the subject 你 at the start. Follow it with the verb 做 and the object 什么工作. It follows a very logical subject-verb-object order. You don't need to change the verb for different people. Just swap 你 for 他 (he) or 她 (she). It is like a Lego set; the pieces fit together perfectly every time.

Use this when meeting someone new at a social gathering. It is perfect for a coffee date or a casual dinner. If you are at a professional mixer, this is your best friend. It helps bridge the gap between 'Hello' and a real conversation. You can even use it when catching up with an old friend you haven't seen in years. Just don't ask your boss this; they might think you've forgotten who they are!

Avoid using this in very formal ceremonies where titles are already known. If you are talking to an elderly person who is clearly retired, it might feel awkward. In those cases, ask about their hobbies instead. Also, don't use it if you just saw their business card. That would be a bit of a 'facepalm' moment. Keep it for situations where the person's daily grind is still a mystery to you.

In China, asking about work is not considered intrusive. It is actually a sign of interest in your life. Careers are a big part of identity and social standing. By asking this, you are showing that you want to understand their world. It is a very common 'icebreaker' compared to Western cultures where people might prefer talking about the weather first. Expect a detailed answer, and maybe even a follow-up about your own salary if the conversation gets really cozy!

If you want to sound more formal, try 您从事什么行业？. This asks what 'industry' they are in. For a more casual vibe with friends, you might hear 你是做什么的？. This is the 'What are you doing?' equivalent of job talk. It is shorter and punchier. If you are curious about their specific company, you can ask 你在哪儿工作？. This shifts the focus from the 'what' to the 'where'.