How to Say What in Spanish: A Beginner's Guide

Ever found yourself in a Spanish-speaking country, desperately trying to order a coffee, only to stumble over the words and end up with something completely unexpected? Speaking Spanish opens doors to incredible cultures, deeper connections with people, and richer travel experiences. It’s not just about knowing vocabulary; it’s about being able to express your thoughts, needs, and personality effectively.

Mastering basic Spanish phrases and sentence structures is essential for navigating everyday situations, from ordering food and asking for directions to making new friends and understanding local customs. Being able to articulate yourself clearly empowers you to fully immerse yourself in the Spanish-speaking world, moving beyond being a tourist to becoming a participant. Learning these fundamental building blocks will give you the confidence to communicate in a way that is both accurate and culturally appropriate, allowing you to build relationships and create memorable experiences.

What are some essential phrases and sentence structures to get me started?

How do you say “What is this?” in Spanish?

The most common way to say “What is this?” in Spanish is “¿Qué es esto?”

While “¿Qué es esto?” is the standard translation and perfectly acceptable in almost any situation, there are slight variations depending on the context and the speaker’s preference. For instance, you might hear “¿Qué es esto de aquí?” which literally translates to “What is this from here?” and emphasizes the object’s location. However, adding “de aquí” is generally unnecessary and more common in specific regions or dialects. The core phrase “¿Qué es esto?” remains the universally understood and preferred option.

It’s important to note that Spanish sentence structure allows for flexibility in word order, but when asking a question, the question words (like “qué”) typically come at the beginning. In this case, maintaining the order of “¿Qué es esto?” will ensure you are understood clearly. Although, sometimes you will hear “¿Esto qué es?” This is an acceptable variation but less common and a bit more informal. Sticking with “¿Qué es esto?” provides clarity and avoids potential confusion, especially for learners of the Spanish language.

What’s the best way to say “What happened?” in Spanish?

The most common and generally accepted translation of “What happened?” in Spanish is “¿Qué pasó?” This is a versatile phrase applicable in a wide range of situations, from casual conversations to more formal settings.

While “¿Qué pasó?” is the go-to translation, other options exist depending on the nuance you wish to convey. “¿Qué pasó?” is suitable for general inquiries about an event that has already occurred. Another option, “¿Qué ocurre?” translates more closely to “What is happening?” and refers to something unfolding in the present moment. You might also hear “¿Qué sucedió?” which is a more formal way to say “What happened?” and is often used in news reports or official statements. The choice between these options depends largely on the context and the level of formality desired.

Furthermore, regional variations can influence phrase preference. For example, in some Latin American countries, you might hear “¿Qué onda?” used informally, which roughly translates to “What’s up?” but can also be used to ask “What happened?”. However, be aware that “¿Qué onda?” is highly informal and may not be appropriate in all situations. Sticking with “¿Qué pasó?” offers the safest and most universally understood option.

How do I say “What do you mean?” in Spanish?

The most common and versatile way to say “What do you mean?” in Spanish is “¿Qué quieres decir?”. This phrase is widely understood and suitable for most contexts, from casual conversations to more formal settings.

While “¿Qué quieres decir?” is a great starting point, Spanish offers several other options that provide slightly different nuances. Another very common option is “¿Qué significa?”. This translates more directly to “What does it mean?” and is useful when someone says something you don’t understand the meaning of. If you’re looking for a more informal option, especially in Latin America, you might hear “¿Qué onda?” which literally translates to “What wave?” but functions idiomatically as “What’s up?” or sometimes, depending on the context, closer to “What’s your angle?” However, “¿Qué onda?” isn’t a direct translation of “What do you mean?” and should be used carefully.

The choice between these options often depends on the specific situation and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. If you’re unsure, “¿Qué quieres decir?” is always a safe and effective choice. Consider the tone of the conversation as well. If you’re confused or genuinely seeking clarification, a straightforward “¿Qué quieres decir?” or “¿Qué significa?” is appropriate. If you’re skeptical or challenging someone’s statement, you might adjust your tone of voice accordingly, but still using one of the provided phrases.

What is the Spanish translation for “What time is it?”

The most common and direct translation of “What time is it?” in Spanish is “¿Qué hora es?” This is the standard way to ask for the time in most Spanish-speaking countries.

While “¿Qué hora es?” is widely understood, there are slight variations you might encounter. Another acceptable, though less common, way to phrase the question is “¿Qué horas son?” Grammatically, this is a slightly more literal translation since “horas” is plural, recognizing that time is measured in hours. However, “¿Qué hora es?” is generally preferred because it’s simpler and more natural sounding. Remember that in Spanish, you’ll often use the verb “ser” (to be) when asking about time, as you are inquiring about a quality or characteristic of the present moment.

It’s also important to note that depending on the region, different colloquialisms might exist. However, “¿Qué hora es?” will always be a safe and universally understood way to inquire about the time, regardless of where you are in the Spanish-speaking world. When someone tells you the time, for example, “Son las dos,” remember that they are using the plural “las” because they are referring to multiple “horas”.

How would you say “What’s your name?” in Spanish?

The most common ways to ask “What’s your name?” in Spanish are “¿Cómo te llamas?” and “¿Cuál es tu nombre?”. Both are perfectly acceptable and widely understood.

The phrase “¿Cómo te llamas?” literally translates to “How do you call yourself?”. It uses the reflexive verb *llamarse* (to be called). This is generally considered the more informal option, suitable for conversations with peers, friends, or people younger than you. “¿Cuál es tu nombre?”, on the other hand, translates more directly to “What is your name?”.

While both options are generally interchangeable, it’s good to be aware of the nuances. If you’re in a formal setting, such as a business meeting or speaking to someone older than you, “¿Cuál es su nombre?” (using *su* instead of *tu*) would be the most appropriate way to ask. This demonstrates respect and formality. The *tú* form is appropriate for informal settings.

What are different ways to say “What’s up?” in Spanish?

There are numerous ways to say “What’s up?” in Spanish, varying by region and level of formality. Some common options include “¿Qué pasa?”, “¿Qué tal?”, “¿Qué onda?” (primarily in Mexico and some parts of Latin America), “¿Qué haces?”, and “¿Qué hay de nuevo?”. The best choice depends on the context and your relationship with the person you’re addressing.

Expanding on these options, “¿Qué pasa?” is a widely understood and fairly neutral greeting, suitable for most situations. “¿Qué tal?” is also very common and versatile, often used similarly to “How’s it going?”. In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, “¿Qué onda?” is a very informal and slangy way to ask “What’s up?”. It’s best reserved for close friends and informal settings. “¿Qué haces?” literally translates to “What are you doing?” but can also be used as a casual greeting. Finally, “¿Qué hay de nuevo?” directly translates to “What’s new?” and while less common, is perfectly acceptable. The level of formality is an important consideration. Using “¿Qué onda?” with someone you don’t know well or in a formal setting could be perceived as inappropriate. Conversely, using a very formal greeting with a close friend might seem strange or distant. Therefore, choose the phrase that best reflects the situation and your relationship with the other person. Context is key to effective communication.

How do you say “What are you doing?” in Spanish?

The most common way to say “What are you doing?” in Spanish is “¿Qué estás haciendo?” This phrase uses the present continuous tense, which is formed with the verb “estar” (to be) and the gerund (the -ing form) of the verb you want to use.

The phrase “¿Qué estás haciendo?” is appropriate for most informal situations. It’s direct and easily understood. The “tú” form of “estar” (estás) implies that you are speaking to someone you know, a peer, or someone younger than you. If you need to address someone formally, you would use the “usted” form. This would change the question to “¿Qué está haciendo?”, conjugating “estar” to match the formal pronoun “usted.” While grammatically correct, this sounds overly formal in most casual scenarios.

It’s also worth noting that regional variations exist. In some parts of Latin America, you might hear “¿Qué haces?” which is a more direct translation using the present simple tense. While “¿Qué haces?” literally translates to “What do you do?”, the context usually makes it clear you are asking about their current activity, not their profession or general habits. However, “¿Qué estás haciendo?” is generally the safest and most widely understood option across different Spanish-speaking regions.

And there you have it! Hopefully, this has given you a good foundation for expressing “what” in Spanish. Don’t be afraid to experiment and practice, and remember, language learning is a journey, not a race. Thanks for reading, and we hope you’ll come back soon for more Spanish language tips and tricks!