Everyone loves weekends!
After a long week of studying or working, everyone is ready to relax or spend time with friends and family.
Weekends are when we try to do all the things we don’t have time for during the week, including just doing nothing.
Whether we plan to run errands or kick back (relax) in front of the TV, we all look forward to the weekend.
Of course, for many, 2020 was one long never-ending weekend. What day is it? has become a common refrain (repeated phrase).
Whatever your situation, I hope you have found ways to fill your time and connect with loved ones. I hope 2021 brings you health and happiness.
What are you up to (this weekend)?
Because people love weekends, asking about someone’s weekend is a very common form of small talk.
If you are talking with a friend, the same question could lead to a longer discussion.
However, sometimes, it might just be a quick conversation like this one:
Jay: Do you have plans for the weekend?
Leo: Not yet. What about you?
Jay: I’m planning to just take it easy. I might hang out with some friends on Sunday.
Leo: Cool. Well, have fun whatever you end up doing.
Jay: Thanks, you too.
Other ways to ask about someone’s weekend:
- Do you have plans for the weekend?
- Any plans for the weekend?”
- What are you going to do this weekend?
- What’s going on this weekend?
What’s going on this weekend? means What’s happening this weekend? When we ask this, we are usually asking if there is a special event, like a concert or party. If we are not attending an event, we would answer by saying, Not much, Nothing, or Nothing much. These responses are the same as the ones we use to respond to What greetings.
What if you don’t have any plans?
What if your plan is to stay home all weekend and sleep?
Avoid saying sleep and drink alcohol. These are not natural answers in English. They do not give people a very good impression. If you are not Korean, this might seem strange to you, but trust me, these are the responses I hear the most from my Korean students.
Instead of telling people that you plan to sleep or drink all weekend, you can say:
- I’m planning to take it easy.
- (I’ll) probably just relax. (note: will is okay here because it is not a definite plan)
- (I’ll) probably just stay home. (You can also add “I’m not sure.” before “probably” in all 3)
- (I’ll) probably just hang out at home.
