How to Reply to “What Do You Do?” and “How Do You Do?” in English with Examples
This page explains the English phrases “What do you do?” and “How do you do?” for students. The topic “What Do You Do How Do You Do” covers their meanings, correct usage, replies, and common mistakes. By learning these basics, students can improve their English conversation and speech writing skills. You will find clear definitions, example sentences, practical tips, and relevant comparisons in easy language.
What Do You Do How Do You Do – Key Differences
| Point | What do you do? | How do you do? |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Asks about someone’s occupation or daily role | Formal greeting when meeting for the first time |
| Usage | In conversations, interviews, or small talk | Formal meetings, mainly in British English |
| Example | “What do you do?” – “I’m a student.” | “How do you do?” – “How do you do.” |
| Quick Tip | Use “What do you do?” for jobs or hobbies; use “How do you do?” as a polite greeting. | |
“What do you do?” is used to ask about someone’s work, studies, or main activity. “How do you do?” is a formal way to greet someone, mostly during first meetings. Choosing the right phrase depends on the conversation’s context and formality.
Grammar rules and examples
What Does ‘How Do You Do’ Mean?
‘How do you do’ is a formal English greeting, mainly used when meeting someone for the first time. The traditional response is to repeat, “How do you do.” Example:
Q: How do you do?
A: How do you do.
What What Do You Do How Do You Do Means in English
Definition: “What do you do?” asks about someone’s job, studies, or main daily work. It is used in casual or formal conversations. “How do you do?” is a formal greeting, not a real question, especially used in British English. Its correct reply is repeating the phrase.
How to Use What Do You Do How Do You Do in Sentences
Examples: “What do you do?” “I am a student.”
“What do you do?” “I write stories.”
“How do you do?” “How do you do.”
Use “What do you do?” when you are interested in someone's work or role. Use “How do you do?” to politely greet a new friend or guest during their introduction.
Common Mistakes and Quick Fix
Mistake: Replying “I’m fine” to “How do you do?”—this is incorrect. Correct: Reply “How do you do.”
Mistake: Using “How do you do?” in casual chats—better to say “Hello” or “Nice to meet you.”
Mistake: Answering “What do you do?” with a hobby when in an interview—focus on your main role or job.
Explore more English meanings and examples
What Do You Do How Do You Do: Rules and Easy Examples
Key rule: Use “What do you do?” to ask about occupation or studies. Use “How do you do?” only as a greeting when meeting someone formally. Do not mix them.
Step 1: Identify if you’re discussing jobs, studies, or skills. Use “What do you do?”
Step 2: For formal first-time meetings, say “How do you do?”
Step 3: Give appropriate replies based on the phrase: “I’m a student” or “How do you do.”
Quick Checklist
- Use “What do you do?” for work, school, or hobbies.
- Reply with your job, class, or main activity.
- Use “How do you do?” for formal greetings only.
- Reply to “How do you do?” by repeating it.
- Avoid answering “How do you do?” with how you feel.
See related grammar notes
Accurate Hindi and Urdu Meanings
| Phrase | Hindi Meaning | Urdu Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| What do you do? | आप क्या करते हैं? | آپ کیا کرتے ہیں؟ |
| How do you do? | नमस्ते / आदाब (आधिकारिक अभिवादन) | آداب / رسمی سلام |
These translations can help students clearly understand replies and greetings in different cultural contexts.
Sample Dialogue for Students
Person A: What do you do?
Person B: I am in class 10; I love playing football.
Person A: How do you do?
Person B: How do you do.
Quotes & Authoritative Facts
Fact 1: The phrase “How do you do?” dates back to the early 18th century as a formal English greeting.
Fact 2: Dictionary definitions confirm “What do you do?” is mainly about jobs or roles, not well-being.
Fact 3: In casual speech, “How do you do?” is rarely used today except in official introductions, especially in British English.
Fact 4: “What do you do?” can also mean “What keeps you busy?” for students and grown-ups alike.
Fact 5: Vedantu English experts recommend practicing answers for both phrases in classroom activities and essays.
Sample Speeches and Templates
Sample Answer (150 words)
When someone asks “What do you do?”, I say, “I am a student in class 9 and I enjoy painting in my free time.” This question is about my daily routine or main occupation. If I meet a teacher and they say, “How do you do?”, I respond, “How do you do.” It is important for students to use these phrases correctly during speeches, classroom activities, or interviews. In casual situations, “What do you do?” can also be answered by sharing a special skill or hobby, such as reading or sports. Remember, “How do you do?” is never answered with “I’m fine.” Practice makes perfect!
Short Essay (250 words)
The phrases “What do you do?” and “How do you do?” are common in English conversations. “What do you do?” is a question someone asks to know about your profession, studies, or major activity in life. For example, you can say, “I am a student at Vedantu Academy” or “I work as a teacher.” This question is often asked in interviews or friendly talks.
On the other hand, “How do you do?” is not really a question but a formal greeting. When someone says, “How do you do?”, you answer with, “How do you do.” It shows respect and is usually used the first time you meet someone. Today, this greeting is less common among teenagers, who prefer “Hello” or “Nice to meet you.”
Students can use these phrases during speeches or essays about English greetings. Understanding the proper reply helps in classroom role plays, interviews, and real-life conversations. Learning such basic English questions and their correct replies builds confidence for both writing and public speaking.
Long Speech/Essay (500 words)
English conversation relies on understanding and using common questions and greetings correctly. Two of the most basic but important phrases are “What do you do?” and “How do you do?”. These can be seen in interviews, classrooms, speeches, and social introductions.
“What do you do?” means “What is your job, duty, or major activity?” For students, this might mean your school, class, or main interest. For example, if someone asks, “What do you do?” you can answer, “I am a student in Class 8 and I play the guitar.” For working professionals, the answer might be “I am a doctor” or “I teach at a school.” Always reply with a short but clear sentence.
“How do you do?” is much less about the actual meaning of each word and more about good manners. It is used as a very formal greeting often during first-time meetings in British-style English. Instead of replying with how you actually feel, just repeat the phrase, “How do you do.” This polite rule surprises many students at first! In Hindi, “How do you do?” translates to “नमस्ते” or “आदाब”.
These phrases are useful not only in daily English conversations but also in speeches and debates. For example, if you are writing a speech on English greetings or introducing yourself in an English class, you can start with, “Good morning. How do you do?” and explain what you do or study. You can add, “At Vedantu, we practice such English sentences in every class to make students confident.”
Some common mistakes include saying “I’m fine” as a reply to “How do you do?” (Do not do this!) or using “How do you do?” among close friends (just say “Hi” instead). In essays, you can discuss why these greetings are important and how they build respect and good communication skills.
Knowing how to answer “What do you do?” also helps in real situations like interviews or when making new friends at events. Instead of simply saying “Student,” add a detail: “I am a class 11 student and I love science fiction books.” For “How do you do?” always remember it’s not a literal question and reply with the same phrase, politely.
These English basics help students in not only achieving good grades but also in confidently joining new conversations wherever they go. Practising these forms can be a useful exercise both for classwork and real life. Try using these phrases in your next activity or introduction for best results.
Apply in Real-Life Conversation and Writing
Whether you’re introducing yourself at school, giving a speech, or chatting online, knowing when and how to use “What do you do?” and “How do you do?” lets you make a friendly and professional impression. Use these basics in essays, dialogues, and group discussions for better communication. For more on English greetings and writing skills, check Vedantu’s practical resources.
This page gives you the key differences, meanings, and replies for “What do you do?” and “How do you do?”, helping students speak and write better English. Practise giving the right answer in class or daily talk. These simple but powerful phrases will boost your confidence in school, contests, and everyday life. Vedantu always encourages you to use these skills for clear and smart communication.
FAQs on What Do You Do & How Do You Do: Easy Meanings, Best Answers, and Usage for Students
1. What is the best reply to “What do you do?”
The best reply to “What do you do?” is a clear statement about your current occupation, studies, or role. For students, the ideal answer usually includes their grade and focus. For example:
- I am a class 10 student preparing for my board exams.
- I attend school and enjoy science and sports.
- I am a student and also like to take part in debates.
This reply helps communicate your daily activities or profession in simple English.
2. How do you respond to “How do you do?”
“How do you do?” is a formal English greeting, commonly used when meeting someone for the first time. The traditional response is to repeat the phrase:
- How do you do?
It shows politeness and good manners, mainly in formal settings like interviews or official events.
3. What does “What do you do” mean in Hindi and Urdu?
“What do you do” means asking about someone’s job or daily occupation.
- In Hindi: “Aap kya karte hain?” (आप क्या करते हैं?)
- In Urdu: “Aap kya karte hain?” (آپ کیا کرتے ہیں؟)
This helps in understanding the question when talking to Hindi or Urdu speakers.
4. What are some funny or creative ways to answer “How do you do”?
You can make your response to “How do you do?” funny by adding a clever twist. Examples include:
- "I do as well as I can with homework!"
- “Surviving Mondays, how about you?”
- “Better now that I met you!”
Use such replies only in informal or relaxed scenarios, not during formal introductions.
5. When should you use “How do you do” in English?
“How do you do” is used in formal meetings, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
- Formal interviews
- Official school events
- Meeting teachers or guests
In casual settings, “Hello” or “Nice to meet you” is more common.
6. How can students use these phrases in English speeches or essays?
Students should use “What do you do?” and “How do you do?” in speeches or essays to demonstrate English conversation skills.
- Begin a dialogue section with these phrases
- Give examples of formal and informal replies
- Use them in self-introduction essays
Including these expressions helps improve English writing and speaking marks.
7. What is the difference between “How do you do” and “How are you”?
“How do you do” is a very formal greeting, while “How are you?” asks about a person’s well-being.
- “How do you do” is not a real question; the answer is to repeat it.
- “How are you?” expects a response like, “I am fine, thank you.”
Use “How do you do” for first meetings; “How are you?” for regular conversations.
8. How can you answer “What do you do?” in a chat or online?
Online, answer “What do you do?” simply and politely based on your activity or role.
- “I’m a student at XYZ School.”
- “I study in class 7 and enjoy reading books.”
- “Currently, I’m preparing for my exams.”
Keep your reply short, clear, and safe for digital communication.
9. What does “How do you do” mean and how to answer it?
“How do you do” means a polite greeting used when meeting someone formally. The answer is to say “How do you do” back.
- For example:
- Person A: How do you do?
- Person B: How do you do.
10. What is “What do you do” best answer for students?
The best student answer to “What do you do?” briefly describes your studies and hobbies.
- “I am a class 9 student interested in science and painting.”
- “I go to school and play cricket after classes.”
This conveys your main activity and a little about your interests.
