How to Say “What Age Are You?” in Spanish

Learning how to ask someone’s age in Spanish is a useful skill that can help you navigate conversations and build connections with Spanish speakers. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to ask someone about their age, as well as provide you with tips, examples, and a few regional variations if necessary.

Formal Ways to Ask “What Age Are You?”

When addressing someone in a formal context, such as in a professional or business setting, it’s important to use a polite and respectful tone. Here are a few formal ways to ask someone’s age:

1. ¿Cuántos años tiene usted? – This is the most common way to ask “How old are you?” in a formal setting. The phrase “usted” is the formal form of “you” in Spanish. For example, if you were speaking to someone you just met at a professional event, you could ask, “¿Cuántos años tiene usted?” to inquire about their age.
2. ¿Podría decirme su edad? – This phrase translates to “Could you tell me your age?” and is suitable for more formal situations. It shows courtesy and respect towards the person you’re addressing. For instance, if you are speaking with an elderly person or a person in a position of authority, you can use this phrase.
3. ¿Cuál es su edad? – This is a direct translation of “What is your age?” and can also be used when speaking formally. It is a straightforward yet polite way to inquire about someone’s age in a more official or serious context.

Informal Ways to Ask “What Age Are You?”

When speaking with friends, family, or peers, it’s common to use a more casual and familiar tone. Here are a few informal ways to ask someone’s age:

1. ¿Cuántos años tienes? – This is the most common way to ask “How old are you?” in an informal setting. The word “tienes” is the informal form of “you have.” For example, if you are talking to a friend, you can simply ask, “¿Cuántos años tienes?” to find out their age.
2. ¿Qué edad tienes? – This phrase translates to “What age do you have?” and is another informal way to ask someone’s age. It’s commonly used among friends and acquaintances, especially in casual conversations.
3. ¿Cuántos años cumples? – This expression, which can be translated as “How old are you turning?” or “How many years are you completing?”, emphasizes the idea of someone’s upcoming birthday. It’s an informal way to ask someone’s age while acknowledging that their birthday is on the horizon.

Examples

To give you a better sense of how to use these phrases in everyday conversations, here are a few examples:

Formal:

Interviewer: Buenos días, ¿cuántos años tiene usted?

Applicant: Buenos días, tengo 35 años.

Informal:

Friend 1: Oye, ¿cuántos años tienes tú?

Friend 2: Tengo 27 años, ¿y tú?

Regional Variations

The Spanish language is diverse, and regional variations can exist in different countries or even within regions. However, when it comes to asking someone’s age, the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and used across various Spanish-speaking countries. It is worth noting that pronunciation or vocabulary nuances might differ slightly depending on the region, so it’s always beneficial to adapt and learn from native speakers in your target region.

In conclusion, learning how to ask someone’s age in Spanish is a valuable skill that can facilitate communication and help you build relationships with Spanish speakers. Whether you are using a formal or informal approach, remember to always be respectful and considerate of the context in which you are speaking. Practice these phrases with native Spanish speakers or through language exchange platforms to gain confidence in using them naturally.

¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)