Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pregunta | /pɾeˈɡunta/ | feminine |
| cuestión | /kwesˈtjon/ | feminine |
| interrogante | /interoˈɡante/ | feminine, masculine |
A 'question' refers to a sentence, phrase or word. In Spanish, pregunta is the most common and straightforward translation for a standard inquiry used in conversations or exams. You may also encounter related verbs such as preguntar, which means to ask questions or cuestionar, which can mean to ask questions or to raise doubts about something.
Which one should you use?
While pregunta is used for a standard inquiry, cuestión primarily refers to an 'issue' or 'matter' being discussed. The word interrogante is used in a more abstract or formal sense to refer to a doubt or a question mark. Additionally, duda translates to 'doubt' but is also used for asking questions in informal contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
pregunta is a feminine noun. Its plural form is preguntas. The word interrogante is a noun that can be either feminine or masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾeˈɡunta/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using cuestión when you mean a simple inquiry. English speakers often make this mistake. Always use pregunta for the standard word for a question one asks someone.
Did you know?
- In informal Spanish, a person might say they have a duda instead of a pregunta when they need clarification.
- The verb preguntar traces its roots back to the Latin verb percontārī, which meant to inquire or examine thoroughly.
- While 'question' is usually a neutral noun in English, the Spanish verb cuestionar often carries a stronger sense of 'to challenge' or 'to call into doubt'.
Examples in context
- No es una pregunta.That's not a question.This sentence uses pregunta to express a negative statement about a question.Tatoeba #4780449 by AucaCoyan, translation #3725738 by CM
- Esta es mi pregunta.This is my question.This sentence uses pregunta to identify a specific question.Tatoeba #1209427 by marcelostockle, translation #476587 by CM
- Te hice una pregunta.I asked you a question.This sentence uses pregunta to show the action of having asked a question.Tatoeba #992761 by hayastan, translation #3000864 by Hybrid
- ¿Puedes responder mi pregunta, por favor?Can you answer my question, please?
- Tengo una duda sobre la tarea.I have a question about the assignment.
- Oye, ¿te puedo hacer una preguntita?Hey, can I ask you a little question?
- Disculpe, ¿me puede ayudar con una pregunta?Excuse me, can you help me with a question?
- ¿Puedo hacer una pregunta sobre la próxima reunión?May I ask a question regarding the upcoming meeting?
- Oye, ¿tienes alguna duda sobre la nueva película?Hey, do you have any doubts about the new movie?
- ¿Te puedo hacer una preguntita?Can I ask you a little question?
- 523 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are studying together in a library.
- AlejandroElena, tengo una pregunta sobre la tarea.Elena, I have a question about the homework.
- ElenaClaro, Alejandro. ¿Cuál es tu pregunta?Of course, Alejandro. What is your question?
- AlejandroNo sé cómo resolver este ejercicio.I don't know how to solve this exercise.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, yo te ayudo.Don't worry, I will help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “question” translations and entries pregunta, cuestión, interrogante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuestión, interrogante, pregunta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
