What's going on Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhwəts/, /ˈwəts/ /ˈɡoʊɪn/, /ˈɡoʊɪŋ/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn

WUHTS GOH-in AHN

UK

wɒts/ /ɡˈəʊɪŋ/ /ˈɒn

WOTS GOH-ing ON

Definition

A common informal way to ask what is happening right now or why something is happening. It is used to show curiosity, concern, or confusion about a situation.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal and often used in casual conversation. Used to ask about current events, someone's mood, or to express surprise. Not used in formal writing. Can be used with a rising intonation to show concern or confusion: 'Hey, what's going on?'.

• Spanish: ¿qué pasa? - ¿qué está pasando?
• Portuguese (BR): o que está acontecendo? - o que está pegando?
• Portuguese (PT): o que se passa? - o que está a acontecer?
• Chinese (Simplified): 怎么了？ - 发生什么事？
• Chinese (Traditional): 怎麼了？ - 發生什麼事？
• Hindi: क्या हो रहा है?
• Arabic: ما الذي يحدث؟ - ماذا يجري؟
• Bengali: কি হচ্ছে - কী চলছে
• Russian: что происходит - что случилось
• Japanese: どうしたの - 何が起きているの
• Vietnamese: chuyện gì đang xảy ra - có chuyện gì vậy
• Korean: 무슨 일이야 - 무슨 일이 일어나고 있어
• Turkish: ne oluyor - neler oluyor
• Urdu: کیا ہو رہا ہے
• Indonesian: ada apa - sedang apa - apa yang terjadi

Example Sentences

What's going on in the classroom?

basic

Can you tell me what's going on here?

basic

She looked confused and asked, 'What's going on?'

basic

Hey man, what's going on with you lately? You seem quiet.

natural

There's a lot of noise outside—what's going on?

natural

I just got here—what's going on?

natural