nadie preguntó
/nadje pɾeɡunto/from spelling rules
The English phrase "nobody asked" is translated into Spanish as nadie preguntó.
Just like in English, nadie preguntó can be used sarcastically to dismiss someone's unsolicited opinion.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nadie (nobody) and preguntó (asked).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb preguntó is in the third-person singular preterite (past tense) form.
Did you know?
- The word nadie actually traces its roots back to the concept of 'being born'. It comes from the Latin nātī, which originally referred to 'born people'.
- While nadie preguntó is the direct translation, Spanish speakers often use the shorter ¿quién preguntó? as a rhetorical question to achieve the same sarcastic effect.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a dismissive response like nadie preguntó might be accompanied by a shrug or a specific hand gesture to emphasize the sarcasm.
Examples in context
- Nadie preguntó.Nobody asked.Tatoeba #1737423 by marcelostockle, translation #1737422 by Spamster
- El equipo de trabajo presentó varias propuestas, pero nadie preguntó por mi opinión.The work team presented several proposals, but nobody asked for my opinion.
- A pesar de mis conocimientos en el tema, no se interesaron por preguntar.Despite my knowledge on the topic, nobody showed interest in asking.
- Nadie preguntó tu opinión.Nobody asked for your opinion.
- Parece que nadie preguntó nada.It seems like nobody asked anything.
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing about a movie in a cafe.
- DanielCreo que esa película fue aburrida.I think that movie was boring.
- MaríaNadie preguntó lo que piensas.Nobody asked what you think.
- Daniel¡Qué grosera eres, María!You are so rude, María!
- MaríaSolo digo la verdad.I'm just telling the truth.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nadie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
