YukaEver run into someone unexpectedly and not know what to say in Japanese? Today’s phrase is perfect for that!
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| こんなところで何してるんですか？ | konna tokoro de nani shite run desu ka? | What are you doing here? / What brings you here? |
Breaking Down the Phrase
- こんなところで — in a place like this / here
- 何してるんですか — what are you doing? (んですか adds nuance of seeking an explanation)
The phrase carries mild surprise — you didn’t expect to see this person here!
Example Conversations
At the supermarket:
A: あれ、田中さん！こんなところで何してるんですか？
Oh, Tanaka-san! What are you doing here?
B: 夕飯の買い物をしていました。
I was shopping for dinner.
—
Casual version (with a friend):
A: え！こんなとこで何してんの？
Hey! What are you doing here?!
ReiWhat does んです do in the phrase?
Yukaんです (or んですか for questions) adds an explanatory nuance — like “so tell me, what IS going on here?” It’s softer than just 何をしていますか.
Casual vs Polite Versions
| Version | Japanese | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Casual | こんなとこで何してんの？ | Casual / with friends |
| Neutral | こんなところで何してるんですか？ | Polite |
| Formal | こちらで何をされているんですか？ | Very formal |
Quick Quiz
You spot your teacher at a cafe. How do you greet them in polite surprise?
Answer: 先生！こんなところで何してるんですか？
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