What do you do for a living?
COSA fai NEL-la vi-TA. 'Vita' is stressed on the first syllable: VI-ta.
Ask this after an initial greeting and exchange of names. It is one of the most natural Italian conversation questions. Italians use 'nella vita' (in life) rather than the direct 'what is your job?' — it feels less mercenary and more holistic.
'Fare nella vita' literally means 'to do in life'. It can encompass work, study, or even a role like parent. The question is deliberately open-ended. If you want to be more specific, you can say 'di lavoro cosa fai?' (what do you do for work?).
Che lavoro fai?
What work do you do?
More direct — focuses specifically on work
Studi o lavori?
Do you study or work?
Common question for young people to establish life stage
Di professione cosa fai?
What is your profession?
More formal — used in professional networking contexts
Italians are generally curious about others' professions but consider it impolite to ask about salary. The question 'cosa fai nella vita?' is warm and conversational. Work-life balance is increasingly valued by younger Italians, who may describe their life in terms of both work and passions rather than just their job title.