What have you been up to?
Recent activities
Literalmente: What have you been doing in a high position or near?
Use this to warmly ask friends or colleagues for a summary of their recent life events.
En 15 segundos
- A friendly way to ask for a life update.
- Covers the time period between your last meeting and now.
- Perfect for friends, family, and casual work colleagues.
Significado
This is a friendly way to ask what someone has been doing since the last time you saw them. It is like asking for a quick update on their life, hobbies, or work.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Meeting an old friend for coffee
It has been ages! What have you been up to?
It has been a long time! What have you been doing lately?
Monday morning at the office
Hey Sarah, what have you been up to over the weekend?
Hey Sarah, what did you do during the weekend?
Texting a sibling you haven't called in a week
Hey! What have you been up to lately? Give me a call.
Hi! What's new with you? Call me.
Contexto cultural
This expression stems from the idea of being 'up and doing' things. In Western cultures, asking about activities is a primary way to build rapport. It transitioned from a literal inquiry about mischief to a standard, friendly social check-in.
The 'Not Much' Default
If you don't have big news, it's perfectly okay to say 'Not much, just the usual.' It's a standard polite response.
Don't be too literal
You don't need to list every single thing you did. Pick one or two interesting highlights or just give a general summary.
En 15 segundos
- A friendly way to ask for a life update.
- Covers the time period between your last meeting and now.
- Perfect for friends, family, and casual work colleagues.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a bridge. It connects the last time you met someone to right now. It is not just about today. It covers the days or weeks in between. You are asking for the 'highlight reel' of their life. It is warmer than a simple How are you? because it shows you care about their actions.
How To Use It
Use it when you see a friend after a week or more. It is a great conversation starter. You can answer with Not much or I have been busy with work. If you have big news, this is the time to share it. For example, I actually just started a new job! It keeps the talk flowing naturally.
When To Use It
Use it with friends, family, or coworkers you like. It works perfectly at a coffee shop or in the office hallway. It is great for catching up after a vacation. You can also use it in a text message to check in. It feels relaxed and inviting. It says, 'Tell me your story.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for a brand-new person. If you just met, they have no 'past' with you yet. Avoid it in very serious situations, like a funeral or a legal hearing. It is too casual for a high-pressure job interview. Also, do not use it if you saw the person ten minutes ago. That would just be confusing!
Cultural Background
English speakers love to stay busy. Being 'up to something' usually means being active. In the UK and US, this phrase became a standard greeting in the mid-20th century. It reflects a culture that values productivity and personal news. It is a polite way to be curious without being nosy. It is the ultimate 'social glue' for acquaintances.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more casual, try What you been up to? (dropping the have). In the US, people often say What's up? for a shorter version. If you think someone is doing something secret, you might ask What are you up to? with a wink. For a very long time apart, try What have you been up to all these years? It is flexible and fun.
Notas de uso
This phrase sits comfortably in the 'informal to neutral' range. Avoid using it in highly formal writing or when meeting someone of much higher rank for the first time.
The 'Not Much' Default
If you don't have big news, it's perfectly okay to say 'Not much, just the usual.' It's a standard polite response.
Don't be too literal
You don't need to list every single thing you did. Pick one or two interesting highlights or just give a general summary.
The Mischief Meaning
If someone asks this with a squinty look or a smile, they might think you are doing something secret or naughty! Context is everything.
Ejemplos
6It has been ages! What have you been up to?
It has been a long time! What have you been doing lately?
A classic way to start a long catch-up session.
Hey Sarah, what have you been up to over the weekend?
Hey Sarah, what did you do during the weekend?
Specific time frames can be added to the end.
Hey! What have you been up to lately? Give me a call.
Hi! What's new with you? Call me.
Very common in digital messaging to initiate contact.
You look guilty... what have you been up to?
You look like you are hiding something... what are you doing?
Can imply someone is being mischievous or secretive.
I know it's been hard. What have you been up to to keep busy?
I know things are tough. What are you doing to stay occupied?
Shows care and interest in someone's well-being.
It was great working with you last year. What have you been up to since then?
I enjoyed our work. What has happened in your business since?
Maintains a warm but professional relationship.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase for a casual greeting.
Long time no see! What ___ you been up to?
The present perfect 'have been' is required to talk about the period from the past until now.
Identify the best response to 'What have you been up to?'
A: What have you been up to? B: ___
The phrase asks about recent activities, so 'working a lot' is a logical answer.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality Scale
Sup?
What's good?
What have you been up to?
Hey, what you been up to?
How have you been?
I hope you are doing well.
Could you provide an update on your recent endeavors?
I trust your recent activities have been productive.
Where to use 'What have you been up to?'
At a High School Reunion
So much has changed! What have you been up to?
In the Breakroom
How was your vacation? What have you been up to?
On a Phone Call with Mom
Hi Mom! What have you been up to this week?
Seeing a Neighbor
Nice weather! What have you been up to lately?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot exactly. How are you? asks about your feelings, while What have you been up to? asks about your recent actions.
Yes, if you have a friendly relationship. It is common in casual office environments during small talk.
You can say, Not much, honestly or Just taking it easy. It is a very normal answer.
Technically no, but in spoken English, people often drop the have. It sounds very natural and relaxed.
Usually no, but if someone says What are you up to? in a suspicious tone, they might think you are being sneaky.
It usually covers the time since you last saw the person, whether that was a week or a year ago.
Yes, it is great for a semi-formal or casual email to a colleague or friend you haven't contacted in a while.
What have you been up to? is about the past. What are you up to? usually means 'What are you doing right now?'
It is better to say at least a short phrase like Not much or Working hard. One word might sound a bit rude.
Yes, it is very common in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. It is a universal English expression.
Frases relacionadas
What's new?
Asking for any recent changes or news in someone's life.
How's it going?
A general greeting asking how someone's life is at the moment.
What have you been doing with yourself?
A slightly more personal or intense version of the phrase.
Keeping busy?
A casual way to ask if someone has been active or working hard.
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