¿tú qué crees?
The English phrase "do you think?" can be translated into Spanish as ¿tú qué crees?
This phrase is used to ask for someone's opinion or belief regarding a particular matter. It relies on the verb creer, which means "to believe" or "to think" in Spanish. While you might also use the verb pensar to mean "to think", creer is specifically used here to solicit a person's belief or opinion.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tú qué crees is composed of the subject tú (you), the interrogative qué (what) and the verb crees (you believe). Literally, it translates to "you what believe".
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction in how you structure your question based on whether you are asking for a general opinion or a specific one. Use ¿tú qué crees? when asking for a general opinion, such as "Do you think?" However, if you want to follow the question with a specific clause, such as "Do you think that it will rain?", use ¿crees que…? (do you think that…?).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Paraguay, the form ¿Vos creés? is used instead of the informal ¿Tú crees?
Did you know?
- The word qué is a direct descendant of the Latin word quid, which is the same root used in the English legal expression 'quid pro quo'.
- The choice of tú in this phrase can be perceived as unexpectedly intimate or even aggressive depending on the region and social hierarchy.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking ¿tú qué crees? functions less as a request for a reasoned argument and more as an invitation to speculate or guess.
Examples in context
- ¿Usted cree que esta es la mejor solución para el problema?Do you think this is the best solution to the problem?
- ¿Cree usted que el proyecto será un éxito en el mercado internacional?Do you think the project will be successful in the international market?
- ¿Tú crees que deberíamos ir al cine esta noche?Do you think we should go to the cinema tonight?
- ¿Crees que deberíamos cambiar nuestros planes de viaje?Do you think we should change our travel plans?
- Voy a comprar este coche, ¿tú qué crees?I'm going to buy this car, what do you think?
- El examen fue difícil, ¿tú qué crees?The exam was difficult, what do you think?
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing a movie they just watched.
- LucíaLa película fue un poco larga, ¿tú qué crees?The movie was a bit long, what do you think?
- AlejandroCreo que fue interesante, a pesar de eso.I think it was interesting, despite that.
- Lucía¿Tú qué crees que pasará en la secuela?What do you think will happen in the sequel?
- AlejandroNo tengo una idea clara, Lucía.I don't have a clear idea, Lucía.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries qué, tú, CC BY-SA 4.0.
