una pregunta rápida
/una pɾeɡunta ɾapida/from spelling rules
The English phrase "quick question" is translated into Spanish as una pregunta rápida.
This phrase is used to signal to the listener that the inquiry will be brief and will not disrupt their schedule significantly. In formal expressions, 'rápida' can be replaced with 'breve' to mean 'brief' without changing the meaning.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the indefinite article una (a), the noun pregunta (question) and the adjective rápida (quick).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because pregunta is a feminine singular noun, the article una and the adjective rápida must both be in the feminine singular form to agree with it.
How do you pronounce it?
/una pɾeɡunta ɾapida/
When do people say it?
In many Spanish-speaking contexts, speakers use the diminutive una preguntita to achieve the same pragmatic effect of making the request seem small and non-intrusive.
Did you know?
- The word pregunta comes from the Latin percontārī, which originally meant to examine or investigate thoroughly. Over centuries, it evolved into the general word for any 'question'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, asking una pregunta rápida can be a linguistic 'hedge' used to introduce a topic that is actually complex or sensitive. It functions as a social lubricant to lower the listener's guard.
- If you want to sound extra cautious when interrupting someone, you can use the phrase si no es molestia alongside your 'quick question' to mean 'if it is not a bother'.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedo hacer una pregunta rápida?Can I ask a quick question?This sentence is useful for asking if you can ask una pregunta rápida.Tatoeba #10010127 by manufrutos, translation #3328484 by CK
- Me gustaría hacerle una pregunta breve, ¿es posible?I would like to ask you a brief question, is that possible?
- Disculpe, ¿puedo molestarlo un momento con una consulta rápida?Excuse me, may I bother you for a quick question?
- ¿Puedo hacerte una pregunta rápida?Can I ask you a quick question?
- Oye, tengo una duda, ¿me ayudas rápido?Hey, I have a question, can you help me quickly?
- Perdona, ¿te molesto un segundo con una pregunta rápida?Sorry, do you mind if I bother you for a quick question?
- ¿Puedo hacerte una pregunta rápida, por favor?Can I ask you a quick question, please?
- Tengo una pregunta rápida sobre el menú.I have a quick question about the menu.
- Solo es una pregunta rápida, lo prometo.It is only a quick question, I promise.
Example conversation
Elena stops Mateo in the office hallway.
- ElenaHola Mateo, ¿tienes un segundo para una pregunta rápida?Hi Mateo, do you have a second for a quick question?
- MateoClaro Elena, dime.Sure Elena, tell me.
- Elena¿A qué hora es la reunión de mañana?What time is tomorrow's meeting?
- MateoEs a las diez de la mañana.It is at ten in the morning.
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.
