¿qué estás tomando?
The English phrase "what are you drinking?" is translated into Spanish as ¿qué estás tomando?
This phrase is used to ask someone which beverage they are currently consuming. The verb tomar is the most common way to express "to drink" in many Spanish-speaking regions, while beber is also common but often feels slightly more formal or specific to the act of drinking.
Which one should you use?
¿Qué estás tomando? Focuses on the action happening right now. In contrast, ¿qué bebes? translates to "what do you drink?" and is more general, often referring to habits or general preferences.
Is it said differently in some regions?
¿Qué estás tomando? is used in many Spanish-speaking countries. In Mexico and Venezuela, you may hear the specific variation ¿Qué estás tomando ahorita?
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask this question to someone you address with the formal usted, change estás to está, resulting in ¿qué está tomando? (which can mean "what is he/she/you (formal) drinking?").
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, using tomar without specifying a drink can be a colloquial euphemism for drinking alcohol.
- In some Caribbean regions, you might hear people use the word tragar instead of tomar or beber to describe the act of drinking or consuming, though it can also mean 'to swallow' aggressively.
- In Spain, the phrase tomar algo is the standard way to suggest a casual social outing for drinks or light snacks.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿qué estás bebiendo?Hi, what are you drinking?
- Buenos días, ¿podría decirme qué bebe?Good morning, could you tell me what you're drinking?
- ¿Qué estás tomando? Estoy tomando un café.What are you drinking? I am drinking a coffee.
- Veo que tienes un cóctel, ¿qué estás tomando?I see you have a cocktail, what are you drinking?
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are at a cafe.
- MateoSofía, ¿qué estás tomando?Sofía, what are you drinking?
- SofíaEstoy tomando un té frío.I am drinking an iced tea.
- MateoSe ve muy refrescante.It looks very refreshing.
- SofíaSí, es muy rico.Yes, it is very delicious.
