una pregunta
/una pɾeɡunta/from spelling rules
The English phrase "one question" is una pregunta in Spanish.
Which one should you use?
You may also hear the form una duda used to mean "a question" or "a point of confusion," particularly in professional settings or classrooms.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the feminine singular article una because the noun pregunta is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/una pɾeɡunta/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish dialects, people use the phrase una preguntita with the diminutive '-ita' to actually sound more polite and less intrusive when interrupting.
- The word pregunta comes from the Latin verb percontārī, which means to inquire or examine. This root is related to the idea of 'counting' or 'accounting' for information during an investigation.
- While pregunta refers to the act of asking, using una duda suggests the speaker is experiencing a 'doubt' or a mental block. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, phrasing a question as a 'doubt' is a polite way to avoid sounding like you are challenging the speaker.
Examples in context
- Solo tengo una pregunta.I just have one question.This sentence shows how to express that you have only one question.Tatoeba #2365597 by marcelostockle, translation #2362245 by CK
- Tengo una pregunta para ti.I have one question for you.This sentence is useful for stating that you have a question directed at someone.Tatoeba #7875010 by Seael, translation #2360178 by CK
- Sólo responderé a una pregunta.I'll answer only one question.This sentence demonstrates how to say you will answer only one question.Tatoeba #8882710 by arh, translation #8878026 by CK
- ¿Puedo hacerte una pregunta?Can I ask you a question?
- ¿Te puedo preguntar algo?Can I ask you something?
- Oye, una pregunta…Hey, a question…
- ¿Vienes mañana?Are you coming tomorrow?
- ¿Dónde?Where?
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía is asking Javier for help with a task.
- LucíaOye, Javier, ¿puedo hacerte una pregunta?Hey, Javier, can I ask you one question?
- JavierSí, claro, dime.Yes, of course, tell me.
- LucíaSolo es una pregunta rápida.It is just one quick question.
- JavierNo hay problema, Lucía.No problem, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pregunta, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
