¿tienes micrófono?
In Spanish, "do you have a mic?" is said as ¿tienes micrófono?
This phrase is used to ask if someone possesses a microphone for the purpose of speaking or recording. In casual conversation, you might hear the shortened form micro used instead of micrófono.
What does it mean word for word?
The word tienes is the second-person singular conjugation of the verb tener, which means "you have".
Which one should you use?
While ¿tienes micrófono? is the standard way to ask, you may encounter ¿Tienes un micrófono? in informal settings or ¿Tiene usted un micrófono? and Disculpe, ¿posee un micrófono? in more formal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking in a professional setting or to a stranger, you should use the formal ¿tiene micrófono? instead of the informal ¿tienes micrófono?
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word micro is a common abbreviation for micrófono, but it also refers to a microbús, which is a small shared passenger bus used in many Latin American cities.
- The word micrófono is a direct hybrid of Greek roots, where micro means 'small' and fono means 'sound'.
- In many regions, the question ¿tienes micrófono? functions less like a question of ownership and more like a question of availability, similar to asking 'is there a mic available?'
Examples in context
- ¿Tienes un micrófono?
Sí, aquí tienes. ¿Para qué lo necesitas?
Voy a hacer una presentación en el auditorio y necesito un micrófono para hablar.
¡Ah, genial! Espero que vaya bien tu presentación.Do you have a mic?
Yes, here you go. What do you need it for?
I am going to give a presentation in the auditorium and I need a microphone to speak.
Ah, great! I hope your presentation goes well. - Si vas a grabar, ¿tienes micrófono?If you are going to record, do you have a mic?
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are preparing for a remote podcast recording.
- JavierElena, ¿tienes micrófono?Elena, do you have a mic?
- ElenaSí, tengo uno profesional.Yes, I have a professional one.
- JavierPerfecto, empecemos la grabación.Perfect, let's start the recording.
- ElenaMuy bien, estoy lista.Very well, I am ready.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries micrófono, CC BY-SA 4.0.
