how do you say what in spanish

2 min read 16-04-2025

The Spanish language, rich in nuance and expression, offers several ways to say "what," depending on the context. This comprehensive guide will explore the various translations and help you choose the most appropriate word for your situation. Understanding the subtle differences will significantly improve your Spanish communication skills.

The Most Common Ways to Say "What" in Spanish

The most common translations of "what" in Spanish are "¿Qué?" and "¿Cuál?". While both translate to "what," they serve different purposes and are used in distinct situations.

"¿Qué?" – The General "What"

"¿Qué?" is the most versatile and frequently used way to say "what" in Spanish. It's used in a wide range of situations, similar to the English "what."

Asking about something unspecified: "¿Qué es eso?" (What is that?)
Asking for information: "¿Qué pasó?" (What happened?)
Asking for clarification: "¿Qué quieres decir?" (What do you mean?)
Expressing surprise or disbelief: "¡Qué sorpresa!" (What a surprise!)

"¿Cuál?" – Choosing Between Options

"¿Cuál?" translates to "which" or "what" when choosing between specific options. It's used when you're asking someone to select one item from a group.

Choosing between items: "¿Cuál prefieres, la pizza o la pasta?" (Which do you prefer, pizza or pasta?)
Identifying a specific item: "¿Cuál es tu nombre?" (What is your name?) (Here, "nombre" implies a selection from a set of possible names.)
Asking for a specific detail: "¿Cuál es tu dirección?" (What is your address?)

Other Ways to Express "What" in Spanish

Beyond "¿Qué?" and "¿Cuál?", other words and phrases can convey the meaning of "what" depending on the context:

"¿Cuánto?" – "How Much?" or "What Amount?"

"¿Cuánto?" is used to ask about quantity, price, or amount.

Asking about price: "¿Cuánto cuesta?" (How much does it cost?)
Asking about quantity: "¿Cuánto tiempo?" (How much time? / How long?)
Asking about distance: "¿Cuánto queda?" (How much further?)

"¿Qué tal...?" – "What About...?" or "How About...?"

"¿Qué tal...?" is a polite way to ask for an opinion or suggestion.

Asking for an opinion: "¿Qué tal la película?" (What about the movie? / How was the movie?)
Making a suggestion: "¿Qué tal si vamos al cine?" (How about we go to the cinema?)

"¿De qué...?" – "What About...?" (Regarding a Specific Topic)

"¿De qué...?" means "What about...?" when inquiring about a topic or subject.

Asking about a topic of conversation: "¿De qué hablan?" (What are they talking about?)

Mastering the Nuances of "What" in Spanish

The best way to master the use of "what" in Spanish is through practice and immersion. Pay attention to how native speakers use "¿Qué?", "¿Cuál?", and other related phrases in different contexts. The more you listen and speak, the more naturally you will incorporate these words into your conversations.

Remember, context is key! The choice between "¿Qué?" and "¿Cuál?" often depends on whether you're asking for general information or choosing from a set of options. Understanding these nuances will make your Spanish more accurate and fluent.

Conclusion

Learning how to say "what" in Spanish involves more than just memorizing a few words. It's about understanding the subtleties of each expression and choosing the most appropriate one for the situation. This guide has provided a solid foundation; now go out there and practice! You'll find that the more you use these words, the more naturally they'll flow in your Spanish conversations.