Mastering the Spanish language requires understanding its various nuances, including the different ways to express "what." Effective communication is key to building a robust vocabulary, and knowing how to ask questions is fundamental.
In Spanish, the translation of "what" isn't straightforward; it varies based on context and usage. The primary translations include qué, cuál, lo que, and cómo, each serving a distinct purpose.
By exploring these expressions and their practical applications, learners can enhance their ability to express themselves naturally in Spanish. Whether in formal or conversational contexts, understanding these nuances is crucial for sounding like a native speaker.
Understanding "What" in Spanish: The Basics
The translation of 'what' in Spanish can vary significantly based on the context in which it's used. In the Spanish language, the word 'what' is not translated uniformly; instead, its translation depends on how it's being used in a sentence.
When learning Spanish, it's essential to understand the different ways to express 'what.' The primary translations for 'what' are qué, cuál, lo que, and cómo. Each of these words has a specific use case and is not interchangeable. For instance, qué is commonly used in questions and exclamations, and it includes an accent mark, which is crucial because qué and que have substantially different uses.
Understanding the parts of speech, such as pronoun vs. adjective, is vital when choosing the correct Spanish word for 'what.' The context determines which word to use, and native speakers instinctively know which form is appropriate. Mastering these distinctions will improve both comprehension and conversation skills in the Spanish language.
By learning the different translations for 'what' and their respective uses, learners can avoid common mistakes when asking questions in Spanish. It's also important to note that using the wrong word can change the meaning of a sentence. In the following sections, we'll explore each form in detail to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to use 'what' effectively in Spanish conversation.
Qué: The Most Common Way to Say "What" in Spanish
"Qué" is the go-to word for "what" in Spanish, appearing in numerous everyday expressions and questions. As a fundamental component of the Spanish language, "qué" is used in various contexts, making it essential for learners to understand its functions and applications.
Qué as a Pronoun
When "qué" is followed by a verb, it functions as a pronoun. As an interrogative pronoun, "qué" will always have an accent mark, regardless of its position in the sentence. For example, "¿Qué quiere comer tu novio?" (What does your boyfriend want to eat?) and "¿Qué necesitas para preparar la pizza?" (What do you need to prepare the pizza?) demonstrate "qué" used as a pronoun in questions. This usage is common in both direct and indirect questions, such as "No sé qué quieres" (I don't know what you want).
The accent mark in "qué" is crucial as it distinguishes the interrogative pronoun from other uses. For instance, "¿Qué estás leyendo?" (What are you reading?) shows how "qué" is used to inquire about the object of the action.
Qué as an Adjective
When "qué" functions as an adjective, it is followed by a noun rather than a verb. Examples include "¿Qué fruta es tu favorita?" (What's your favorite fruit?) and "¿Qué desayuno es ese?" (What kind of breakfast is that?). Here, "qué" modifies the noun, asking for more information about it.
In exclamations, "qué" is used to express admiration or surprise, as in "¡Qué bonito!" (How beautiful!/What a beautiful thing!). This highlights the versatility of "qué" in different sentence structures, including exclamatory sentences.
Usage | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
Qué as a Pronoun | ¿Qué quieres? | What do you want? |
Qué as an Adjective | ¿Qué libro estás leyendo? | What book are you reading? |
Qué in Exclamations | ¡Qué sorpresa! | What a surprise! |
How Do You Say About What in Spanish Using Cuál
Understanding how to say "what" in Spanish involves knowing when to use "cual." In Spanish, "cual" is used to ask someone to make a choice between a limited number of options. This can be particularly useful when you want to know someone's preference among a specific set of things.
For example, if you're offered two or more wines and you want to know which one someone prefers, you would ask, "¿Cuál vino prefieres?" (What wine do you prefer?). Here, "cual" is used because you're asking for a preference within a specific, limited set of wines.
Another example is asking, "¿Cuál pastel te gusta más?" (What cake do you like the most?). Again, "cual" is used because you're referring to a specific cake or cakes that are present or being considered.
Cuál vs. Qué: Understanding the Difference
The key difference between "qué" and "cual" lies in their usage. "Qué" is used to ask about the identity or nature of something, whereas "cual" is used when asking someone to select from a limited set of options. For instance, "¿Qué quieres comer?" (What do you want to eat?) refers to the type or identity of food, whereas "¿Cuál prefieres?" (Which one do you prefer?) implies choosing from specific options.
Usage | Qué | Cuál |
|---|---|---|
Identity/Nature | Used to ask about the identity or nature of something | Not used for identity/nature |
Selection from Options | Not typically used for selection | Used when asking someone to select from a limited set of options |
Examples | "¿Qué quieres comer?" | "¿Cuál prefieres?" |
Understanding the distinction between "qué" and "cual" is crucial for asking the right kind of question in Spanish. By using "cual" correctly, you can ask more precise questions that reflect the context of your inquiry.
Lo Que: Expressing "What" in Statements
'Lo que' is used to express 'what' in statements, providing a way to connect ideas in complex sentences. This phrase is particularly useful when 'what' is the subject of a statement in English.
For instance, 'lo que' can be translated as 'what' when it means 'that which.' Examples include: "Lo que me dijo es una mentira" (What she told me is a lie), "Lo que me enoja es su actitud hacia mi madre" (What makes me mad is his attitude toward my mother), and "Veo lo que pasa" (I see what is happening).
Unlike 'qué' and 'cuál,' 'lo que' never takes an accent mark. It's used in various contexts, such as "Lo que necesito es tiempo" (What I need is time). Mastering 'lo que' is essential for forming more complex statements in Spanish.
English Translation | Spanish Phrase | Context |
|---|---|---|
What she told me is a lie. | Lo que me dijo es una mentira. | Statement about past information |
What makes me mad is his attitude. | Lo que me enoja es su actitud. | Expression of current emotion |
I see what is happening. | Veo lo que pasa. | Observation of an ongoing situation |
'Lo que' connects clauses in complex sentences and works with different verb tenses, enhancing vocabulary and language skills for Spanish speakers and learners alike.
By understanding and using 'lo que' correctly, you can improve your ability to express complex ideas in Spanish, making your language more nuanced and effective.
Cómo: When "What" Expresses Surprise
When expressing surprise or disbelief, native Spanish speakers sometimes use 'cómo' to mean 'what.' Although 'cómo' typically translates to 'how,' there are specific situations where it takes on this different meaning. For instance, '¡Cómo! No lo creo' translates to 'What! I don't believe it.'
In some regions, '¿cómo?' is used to ask someone to repeat what they said, similar to saying 'what?' in English. However, it's worth noting that in other areas, this usage can be considered mildly rude. For example, '¿Cómo? ¿Qué dijiste?' means 'What? What did you say?'
The use of 'cómo' as 'what' is primarily seen in expressions of incredulity or surprise. Native speakers might say '¡Cómo! No puede ser' to express 'What! It can't be.' The tone and inflection used when saying 'cómo' can significantly affect its interpretation.
In conversation, the context in which 'cómo' is used determines its meaning. By understanding these nuances, learners can better grasp the subtleties of the Spanish language and improve their communication skills.
Common Phrases and Expressions with "What" in Spanish
The word "what" is a vital part of the Spanish language, and knowing its various expressions can enhance your conversational skills. As you learn Spanish, mastering common phrases and expressions with "what" will help you sound more like a native speaker.
Questions Using "What" in Spanish
When it comes to asking questions, "what" is a fundamental word in Spanish. Here are some essential question phrases you should know:
These questions are used in everyday conversations, and being familiar with them will make a significant difference in your ability to communicate effectively.
Exclamations Using "What" in Spanish
Exclamations are a great way to express emotions or reactions, and "what" plays a significant role in forming these expressions. Here are some common exclamations:
¡Qué lástima! - What a shame!
¡Qué bueno! - How good!
¡Qué barbaridad! - How terrible!
¡Qué mujer! - What a woman!
Using these exclamations will help you convey your feelings and respond to situations like a native Spanish speaker. By incorporating these phrases into your language, you'll significantly improve your conversational fluency.
Bonus Tip: See How “What” Is Really Used in Spanish with AnyDoc Translator
You’ve learned that qué, cuál, lo que, and cómo each serve a unique purpose when translating “what” into Spanish. But knowing when to use each one—and why—gets much easier when you can see them in action across real conversations and texts. That’s where AnyDoc Translator becomes a powerful shortcut.
What Is AnyDoc Translator?
AnyDoc Translator is a web-based AI translation tool from WPS Office’s Toolsmart platform. It supports 105+ languages and over 30 file types, from dialogue-heavy PDFs to casual messages, blog posts, and emails. With side-by-side translation, it helps you observe how native Spanish speakers actually use different forms of “what” in everyday language.
Why Use AnyDoc for Mastering “What” in Spanish?
In Spanish, choosing between qué, cuál, or lo que often depends on context—questions, statements, or expressions of surprise. AnyDoc shows you how real speakers naturally apply these words, helping you avoid robotic translations or awkward phrasing.
Feature | What It Helps You Understand |
|---|---|
Context-based learning | Spot when to use qué vs. cuál in real sentences |
Practical phrase recognition | See how lo que appears in written conversation |
Idiomatic and emotional usage | Understand how cómo expresses surprise or disbelief |
Natural language exposure | Learn grammar and flow through authentic examples |
How to Use It
Step 1: Open your preferred web browser and access the AnyDoc Translator website.
Step 2: Upload your Korean document by selecting "Select from your Computer" or by dragging it into the upload area.
Step 3: Click on the "Language" dropdown menu and choose your target language.
Step 4: Wait a few seconds while AnyDoc processes the translated document.
Step 5: Once processed, you’ll see a split-screen preview showing both the original and translated versions. Hover over sections to compare them side by side.
Step 6: If you prefer viewing only the translated content, toggle the "Hide Original" option to switch to a full-screen translation view.
Step 7: To save your work, click the "Download" button. You’ll be able to download either a bilingual copy or just the translated version.
Whether you're fine-tuning your grammar, writing dialogue, or just getting fluent, AnyDoc Translator helps you see how “what” truly functions across Spanish-speaking situations.
FAQ
Can "qué" be used as an adjective in Spanish?
Yes, "qué" can be used as an adjective to express surprise or emphasis. For example, "¡Qué día!" means "What a day!" This usage is common in exclamations.
What's the role of "cómo" in expressing "what" in Spanish?
"Cómo" can be used to express surprise or inquiry about the nature or quality of something. For instance, "¿Cómo que no vas a venir?" means "What do you mean you're not coming?" This is different from directly translating to "what."
Are there different ways to ask questions using "what" in Spanish?
Yes, there are several ways to ask questions using "what" in Spanish, including "¿Qué...?", "¿Cuál...?", and "¿Cómo...?". The choice depends on the context and the type of information you're seeking.
How do native Spanish speakers use "what" in everyday conversations?
Native Spanish speakers use various expressions with "what" in everyday conversations, such as "¿Qué pasa?" meaning "What's going on?" or "¿Qué tal?" meaning "How are you?" or "What's up?" These expressions are common in informal settings.
