Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[rayt]

"What is your father?"

what does it mean? is it asking what does your father do?

if so, or if not, if there is any daily English that can be used to ask occupation of someone's father??

thank you.

[2006]

It depends on context, if any.
Without context, best way to ask that question is 'What (work) does your father do?'

'What is your father?' is too vague, although it might get you the answer you want. If the conversation is about occupations and you ask someone "What is your father?', they will tell you what work he does.