9 August 2026 Expression of the Week

What do you do?
What do you do for a living?

Both "What do you do?" and "What do you do for a living?" are usually asking about a person's job or occupation.

In simple terms, they mean:

  • "What is your job?"

  • "How do you earn your money?"

When people meet for the first time, they often ask this question to get to know each other.

Important Notes

  1. It is often used when meeting someone for the first time.

    People commonly ask this question after introducing themselves and making a little small talk.

  2. The question can sometimes have a different meaning.

    Sometimes "What do you do?" is asking about someone's usual activities rather than their job. The meaning depends on the context.

    Example

    • "What do you do on weekends?"

    This is asking about hobbies or activities, not work.

  3. "What is your job?" is correct—but less natural.

    Many English learners ask, "What is your job?" There is nothing wrong with this question, but native English speakers are much more likely to say:

    • What do you do?

    • What do you do for a living?

    Using these expressions will make your English sound more natural.

Similar Expressions

  • What's your job?

  • What line of work are you in?

  • What kind of work do you do?

  • What do you do for work?

  • What do you do professionally? (more formal)

Learner's Tips

English speakers often make this question sound friendlier by adding a few words before it, for example:

  • "So... what do you do?"

  • "And what do you do?"

  • "Can I ask what you do?"

  • "Tell me, what do you do?"

Also, notice the pronunciation.

In "What do you do?", the first do is usually unstressed and sounds like /də/ (or /du/ spoken very quickly), while the second do is stressed and pronounced /duː/.

Try copying the rhythm as well as the words.

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