How to Say "What Are You Doing?" in Russian
"What are you doing?" in Russian is "Chto ty delayesh?" when speaking informally to one person. Use "Chto vy delayete?" for a polite conversation with one person or when addressing several people. Both ask about someone's activity, but the relationship and your tone determine whether the question sounds friendly, curious or critical.
Customers choosing a card for someone in Russia often need help with a short message: a greeting, an invitation or a few words that sound warm without being overly intimate. A direct translation is only the starting point. At Pyat Tsvetov (5 Flowers), our Saint Petersburg flower shops have served customers since 2011, and our practical advice is to decide what you want the recipient to understand before choosing the wording.
Choose the right form: ty or vy
"Ty" is the informal singular "you", normally used with close friends, family, children and people with whom you have established an informal relationship. "Vy" is the polite singular or the plural "you". With a new acquaintance, an older person you do not know well or a professional contact, "Chto vy delayete?" is usually the safer starting point.
The verb changes with the pronoun: pair "ty" with "delayesh" and "vy" with "delayete". Mixing them produces an incorrect sentence, even if the listener can work out your meaning. Keep the complete phrase together while learning it; this is more useful than memorising "you" and "doing" as separate words.
A rough pronunciation guide for "Chto ty delayesh?" is "shto ty DYE-la-yesh", with the main stress near the start of "delayesh". English spelling cannot reproduce every Russian sound, especially the vowel in "ty", so treat this as an aid rather than an exact transcription. Our guide to Chto Ty Delayesh gives another reference for the expression.
Ask about the present, plans or someone's work
"Chto ty delayesh?" most naturally asks what someone is doing at the moment. Adding "seychas", meaning "now", makes that intention explicit: "Chto ty seychas delayesh?" This works when you want to know whether a friend is cooking, working or resting before you suggest a call.
For plans, name the period you mean instead of expecting the recipient to infer it. "Kakie u tebya plany na vecher?" means "What are your plans for the evening?" It is a clearer opening for arranging a meeting than a bare question about what someone is doing, particularly in a message read several hours later.
"Chem ty zanimayeshsya?" can mean "What are you doing?" or, in a broader conversation, "What do you do?" Context may lead someone to describe their occupation or interests rather than their current activity. If you specifically mean employment, "Kem ty rabotayesh?" asks what kind of work they do; avoid treating all three questions as interchangeable.
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Make a short message sound friendly
Spoken with a relaxed voice, "Chto ty delayesh?" can be an ordinary conversation starter. Said sharply, the same words can express alarm or disapproval, much like the English sentence. In writing, repeated question marks or an abrupt message without a greeting can make an innocent enquiry feel demanding.
For a friend, "Privet! Chto ty delayesh?" means "Hi! What are you doing?" If your actual purpose is a call, "Mozhno tebe pozvonit?" means "Can I call you?" Giving the purpose directly helps the other person answer usefully instead of wondering whether you expect a detailed account of their day.
Common replies include "Rabotayu" for "I'm working", "Otdykhayu" for "I'm relaxing", and "Gotovlyu uzhin" for "I'm cooking dinner". "A ty?" means "And you?" and returns the question informally. These short answers are normal in a casual exchange; you do not need to repeat the full sentence structure from the question.
Use a statement, not an unfinished question, on a flower card
"What are you doing?" belongs naturally in a conversation, but it can feel incomplete on a card delivered with flowers. The recipient cannot answer the card in the same way they can answer a chat message. If your purpose is affection, thanks or encouragement, write that purpose plainly and leave practical questions for a separate conversation.
"Dumayu o tebe" means "I'm thinking of you" and suits a personal message when that level of closeness is appropriate. "Spasibo za pomoshch" means "Thank you for your help" and gives a specific reason for a thank-you bouquet. Avoid adding romantic language to a professional gift simply because it sounds more elaborate in translation.
A card with your text is free when you order with us. Delivery is anonymous by default, which means the courier does not name the sender, so include your name in the card text if you want the recipient to know who sent it. Before choosing from the bouquets catalogue, settle the occasion, the relationship and the message; those decisions make colour and style choices easier.
Arrange a flower delivery to Russia from abroad
We deliver flowers across Russia, with city delivery costing 500 RUB. For remote districts and suburbs, the operator confirms the delivery price when confirming the order. Prepare the recipient's address, contact number and preferred delivery date before checkout, and check the details carefully rather than relying on a familiar place name alone.
In large cities, express delivery is available within 1-2 hours after the order is confirmed. Other options include delivery at an exact time with a tolerance of plus or minus 30 minutes, or the windows 09-12, 12-15, 15-18 and 18-21. You can also pre-order 1-30 days ahead; when ordering from another country, check that your intended time matches the recipient's local day and schedule.
Saint Petersburg delivery is available around the clock. Online checkout uses CloudPayments; check the payment options displayed there, since acceptance of every foreign card is not guaranteed. See delivery and payment information for planning, or call 8 (812) 507-67-05 with questions about an order.
Plan the handover and help the flowers settle in
The courier calls the recipient about 15 minutes before arrival, so a surprise bouquet still involves a practical handover. If you are checking availability beforehand, ask whether the person will be at the delivery address during the intended window. "What are you doing?" alone does not establish that they will be home or able to receive flowers.
If the recipient is absent, we agree a second delivery the same day or handing the flowers to a neighbour or concierge with the sender's consent. Choose a window that fits the recipient's routine wherever possible, especially if they will be leaving for work or travelling. Flowers are easier to enjoy when the recipient has time to put them in water after arrival.
For a bouquet of cut stems, use a clean vase, trim the stem ends with a clean, sharp tool and remove leaves that would sit below the waterline. Keep the flowers away from direct sunlight, heaters and ripening fruit, and refresh the water regularly. Check the stems as you do so, removing fading flowers and following any care directions supplied for the particular arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say "What are you doing?" in Russian informally?
Say "Chto ty delayesh?" to one person with whom you use informal language. It normally asks about their current activity.
What is the polite version of "Chto ty delayesh?"?
Use "Chto vy delayete?" when addressing one person politely. The same form also addresses several people, whether the group is familiar or unfamiliar.
Does "Chto ty delayesh?" sound rude?
The phrase itself is neutral, but a sharp tone can turn it into criticism or surprise. In a casual message, a greeting and a clear reason for asking help convey a friendly intention.
Can I put a Russian message on a flower card?
A card with your text is free, and you can supply the Russian wording you want to send. Include your name if you want to identify yourself, because the courier does not name the sender by default.
Can I pay for flowers to Russia with a foreign card?
Online checkout uses CloudPayments, and acceptance of every foreign card is not guaranteed. Check the options displayed at checkout before relying on a particular card.
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