Meaning
"What's going on?" has two jobs, and your voice tells people which one you mean. The first is a greeting, like "What's up?" or "How's it going?" You say it to a friend when you meet, and a short answer is fine: "Not much. You?"
The second is a real question about something strange or worrying: a crowd in the lobby, a loud noise, a friend who looks upset. Here it means "explain what's happening". A sharp, serious "What's going on here?" from a parent or a boss can sound like they're about to be angry. Both uses are everyday and informal. In a formal setting, "Could you tell me what's happening?" is softer.
In a conversation
- Kenji
- Charlotte
- Kenji
- Charlotte
- Kenji
- Charlotte
Say it out loud
Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.
Check yourself
Practice · 3 min
Listen, then say each line. For the greeting, keep it light and quick. For the real question, slow down and stress "going".
Say it today
Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.