Introduction
Learning a new language can be a fun and rewarding experience, and Spanish is one of the most popular foreign languages to learn. If you want to know how to say “what” in Spanish, this article will guide you through the different ways to express this common question word in the Spanish language.
1. ¿Qué?
¿Qué? is the most common and versatile way to say “what” in Spanish. This question word can be used in various contexts to ask about things, people, actions, or qualities. Here are some examples:
- ¿Qué hora es? – What time is it?
- ¿Qué pasa? – What’s happening?
- ¿Qué haces? – What are you doing?
2. ¿Cómo?
¿Cómo? can also be used to ask “what” in Spanish, especially when referring to processes, methods, or ways of doing things. It can be translated as “how” or “what” depending on the context. Here are some examples:
- ¿Cómo te llamas? – What is your name? (literally: How do you call yourself?)
- ¿Cómo se dice “book” en español? – What is “book” in Spanish? (literally: How is “book” said in Spanish?)
3. Other Ways to Say “What” in Spanish
Aside from ¿Qué? and ¿Cómo?, there are other ways to say “what” in Spanish depending on the context or specific question being asked. Here are some alternatives:
a. ¿Cuál?
¿Cuál? is used to ask for specific information or choices. It is often translated as “which” or “what” when asking about options. Here are some examples:
- ¿Cuál es tu color favorito? – What is your favorite color?
- ¿Cuál prefieres, el rojo o el azul? – Which do you prefer, the red or the blue one?
b. ¿Qué cosa?
¿Qué cosa? is a more formal way to say “what” in Spanish. It is often used in written language or formal settings when asking about a specific thing or matter. Here is an example:
- ¿Qué cosa es esta? – What is this thing?
c. ¿Qué pasa?
¿Qué pasa? can also be used to ask “what’s up” or “what’s going on” in Spanish. It is a more casual and colloquial way to inquire about someone’s well-being or current situation. Here is an example:
- ¿Qué pasa contigo? – What’s up with you?
4. Phrases Using “What” in Spanish
In addition to using question words like ¿Qué?, ¿Cómo?, ¿Cuál?, and ¿Qué cosa?, you can also use phrases or expressions in Spanish that include the word “what.” These phrases can help you expand your vocabulary and fluency in the language. Here are some common phrases:
a. ¿De qué se trata?
This phrase is used to ask “what is it about?” or “what is this about?” when referring to a topic or subject. Here is an example:
- ¿De qué se trata esta película? – What is this movie about?
b. ¿Por qué?
While ¿Por qué? translates to “why” in Spanish, it can also be used to ask “what for?” or “what reason?” in certain contexts. Here is an example:
- ¿Por qué lloras? – What are you crying for? (literally: For what reason are you crying?)
c. ¿Para qué?
This phrase is used to ask “what for?” or “what purpose?” in Spanish. It is often used when inquiring about the reason or intention behind an action. Here is an example:
- ¿Para qué necesitas eso? – What do you need that for? (literally: For what purpose do you need that?)
5. Practice Makes Perfect
Learning how to say “what” in Spanish is an essential part of mastering the language. To improve your skills and fluency, practice using these question words and phrases in different contexts. You can also engage in conversations with native Spanish speakers or use language learning apps to enhance your vocabulary.
Conclusion
Being able to ask questions and express curiosity in Spanish is crucial for effective communication. By familiarizing yourself with the various ways to say “what” in Spanish and practicing these phrases regularly, you will become more confident in using the language in real-life situations. Remember, patience and consistency are key to language learning success!
