que
/ke/
In Spanish, que is used to say "may it" when expressing a wish or a hope.
The word que functions as a particle to introduce an optative clause, which is a clause used to express a wish or a desire. It is placed at the beginning of a sentence to mean "May it…" or "May [someone]…".
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, this construction functions as "that [something happen]", where the word que (meaning "that") implies the missing phrase "I wish that" or "May it be that".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to use the phrase Que te vaya bien to express good wishes. In Argentina, people often use the phrase Que la pases lindo to express good wishes.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using que to express a wish, the verb that follows it must be in the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/ke/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word que is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'who', as both stem from the same Proto-Indo-European roots.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the most polite way to respond to a que wish is not just to say 'thank you', but to offer a reciprocal wish in return.
Examples in context
- Que así sea.May it be so.Tatoeba #10072285 by arh, translation #10071992 by AlanF_US
- Que le vaya bien.May it go well for you.Tatoeba #456384 by lukaszpp, translation #456383 by lukaszpp
- Que sea lo que Dios quiera.May it be as God wills.Tatoeba #2117636 by labatteg, translation #11182702 by kremel
- ¡Ojalá que alcances todos tus sueños!May you achieve all your dreams!
- Que se cumplan todos tus deseos más profundos.May all your deepest desires come true.
- ¡Que lo pases bien!May you have a good time!
- ¡Que te vaya bien en tu entrevista de trabajo!May your job interview go well!
- ¡Que te vaya bien en tu examen!May your exam go well!
- ¡Que la pases lindo en tu cumpleaños!May you have a great time on your birthday!
- ¡Que la pases lindo en tus vacaciones!May you have a fantastic time on your vacation!
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are saying goodbye at the airport.
- Elena¡Buen viaje, Javier!Have a good trip, Javier!
- JavierGracias, Elena.Thanks, Elena.
- ElenaQue tengas un viaje muy tranquilo.May you have a very peaceful trip.
- JavierMuchas gracias, nos vemos pronto.Thank you very much, see you soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry que, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
