tengo una pregunta sobre
/tenɡo una pɾeɡunta sobɾe/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I have a question about" is translated into Spanish as tengo una pregunta sobre.
This phrase is used to introduce a specific topic that the speaker wants to ask about. While tengo una pregunta sobre is a direct way to state you have a question, speakers also frequently use the phrase tengo una duda sobre to express that they are confused or specifically need clarification on a topic.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tengo (I have), una (a), pregunta (question) and sobre (about/on).
Which one should you use?
The word pregunta is the direct translation for "question". However, native speakers often prefer to say tengo una duda sobre when they want to convey that they have an uncertainty or need more information to clear up confusion.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, tengo una duda sobre… is used interchangeably with tengo una pregunta sobre…
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb tengo is the first-person singular present indicative of the verb tener (to have). Additionally, you can use the phrase ¿podrías explicarme un poco sobre…? as a way to ask someone to explain something.
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo una pɾeɡunta sobɾe/
Did you know?
- The word sobre originally meant 'above' or 'over' in a physical sense, a meaning still seen in the Spanish word for an envelope.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is often considered more polite to lead with disculpe (excuse me) before saying tengo una pregunta sobre to avoid appearing too abrupt.
- In high-formality settings, such as a legal court or a formal academic defense, starting with tengo una pregunta can be seen as too blunt. Speakers may instead use a conditional phrase like me gustaría hacer una pregunta to soften the request.
Examples in context
- Tengo una pregunta acerca de la políticaI have a question about politics
- Me gustaría hacer una pregunta sobre el informe que presentasteI would like to ask a question about the report you presented
- Tengo una pregunta sobre el concierto de esta nocheI have a question about tonight's concert
- Oye, tengo una duda sobre el trabajo que tenemos que entregarHey, I have a question about the assignment we have to submit
- Tengo una pregunta sobre el proyecto que discutimos ayer. ¿Podrías explicarme cómo debo proceder?I have a question about the project we discussed yesterday. Could you explain to me how I should proceed?
- Tengo una pregunta sobre la tarea.I have a question about the homework.
- Tengo una pregunta sobre el menú.I have a question about the menu.
- Tengo una pregunta sobre el nuevo proyecto.I have a question about the new project.
- Tengo una pregunta sobre la factura.I have a question about the bill.
Example conversation
Daniel is talking to Elena in an office.
- DanielElena, tengo una pregunta sobre el informe.Elena, I have a question about the report.
- Elena¿Qué necesitas saber, Daniel?What do you need to know, Daniel?
- DanielTengo una pregunta sobre los datos finales.I have a question about the final data.
- ElenaClaro, te ayudo ahora mismo.Sure, I'll help you right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pregunta, sobre, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
