¿qué dices?
The English phrase "say what" can be translated into Spanish as ¿qué dices?
¿qué dices? is an informal expression used in two ways: to ask someone to repeat something they just said, or to express surprise and disbelief regarding a statement.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "what are you saying?", using the second-person singular present tense.
Which one should you use?
While ¿qué dices? is used for general surprise or asking for repetition, if you want to specifically ask about a completed action in the past (meaning "what did you say?"), you should use the preterite form ¿qué dijiste?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
¿qué dices? is informal and should be used with friends or peers. If you need to show respect to strangers or elders, use the formal version ¿qué dice usted?
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a finished action in the past, use the preterite form ¿qué dijiste?
Did you know?
- If you use ¿qué dices? with a sudden, rising intonation in Spain, it can actually sound like you are challenging the person's honesty or even provoking a fight.
- While ¿qué dices? is common, some Spanish speakers use the word ¿mande? as a polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves, especially in Mexico.
- The word qué shares a common ancestor with the English word 'what' and the Latin 'quid', as they all stem from the same Proto-Indo-European root.
Examples in context
- ¿Podrías repetir eso, por favor?Could you repeat that, please?
- ¿Disculpe, podría decirlo nuevamente?Excuse me, could you say it again?
- ¿Qué dijiste?What did you say?
- ¿Cómo?Huh? or What?
- ¿Eh?What?
- ¿Qué dices? No te oí bien.Say what? I didn't hear you well.
- ¡¿Qué dices?! Eso es increíble.Say what?! That is incredible.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are talking about their weekend plans.
- AlejandroCreo que no voy a ir a la fiesta.I think I'm not going to the party.
- Sofía¿Qué dices? ¡Si era tu plan favorito!Say what? But it was your favorite plan!
- AlejandroLo sé, pero tengo que trabajar más.I know, but I have to work more.
- SofíaQué pena, Alejandro. Te vamos a extrañar.That's a shame, Alejandro. We will miss you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries qué, CC BY-SA 4.0.
