Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| tengo una pregunta | /ˌtenɡo ˌuna pɾeˈɡunta/ |
| tengo una duda | /tenɡo una duda/ (from spelling rules) |
You can use tengo una pregunta to express that you wish to ask for information. In some contexts, you might also say tengo una duda if you are expressing a sense of confusion or uncertainty about something that has already been discussed.
Which one should you use?
While tengo una pregunta is used when you want to ask for information, tengo una duda is used specifically when you are confused or uncertain about something you have already heard.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, tengo una duda is often used to mean "I have a question". In Argentina, the phrase tengo una consulta is used to mean "I have a question".
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify who the question is for, use the preposition para followed by the person, such as in tengo una pregunta para ti (I have a question for you).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌtenɡo ˌuna pɾeˈɡunta/
Did you know?
- The verb preguntar is used for asking a question, but to 'ask for' a physical object, Spanish speakers use the entirely different verb pedir.
- The word duda is closely related to the concept of 'double', as it stems from the Latin root for 'two' or 'divided', implying a mind split by uncertainty.
- The word duda is used in Spanish to express a question born from confusion, whereas in English 'doubt' often implies a lack of trust or belief.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, tengo una pregunta.Excuse me, I have a question.This sentence shows how to use tengo una pregunta when excusing yourself to ask something.Tatoeba #1502847 by wallebot, translation #1445889 by johnd
- Yo también tengo una pregunta.I have a question too.This sentence shows how to add "too" when using tengo una pregunta.Tatoeba #9469442 by Shishir, translation #9471993 by DJ_Saidez
- Te tengo una pregunta.I have a question for you.This sentence shows how to specify the recipient using tengo una pregunta.Tatoeba #2416424 by kuma, translation #2358794 by CK
- Tengo una pregunta sobre el proyecto.I have a question about the project.
- ¿Podría hacerle una pregunta al profesor?Could I ask the teacher a question?
- Me gustaría hacer una pregunta sobre la conferencia.I would like to ask a question about the conference.
- ¿Puedo hacerte una pregunta sobre la tarea?Can I ask you a question about the homework?
- ¡Oye! ¿Te puedo hacer una pregunta personal?Hey! Can I ask you a personal question?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a classroom after a lecture.
- MateoElena, tengo una pregunta.Elena, I have a question.
- Elena¿De qué trata tu pregunta, Mateo?What is your question about, Mateo?
- MateoEs sobre el examen de mañana.It is about tomorrow's exam.
- ElenaClaro, dime qué necesitas saber.Of course, tell me what you need to know.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I have a question” translations and entries tengo una pregunta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
