qué clases estás tomando
/ke klases estas tomando/from spelling rules
The English phrase "what classes you are taking" is translated into Spanish as qué clases estás tomando.
This phrase is used to ask someone which courses they are currently enrolled in at a school. When you want to state which classes you are in using a formal tone, you can say Estoy tomando las siguientes clases: or Estoy cursando las siguientes asignaturas:.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of the English structure: qué means what, clases means classes, estás means you are and tomando means taking.
Which one should you use?
While tomando is a common way to express taking a course, using the verb cursar is a more formal way to express the idea of being enrolled in or taking a course, such as in the phrase qué clases estás cursando.
Did you know?
- The word clase has a surprising maritime history. It stems from the Latin 'classis', which originally described a fleet of ships or a division of citizens in ancient Rome.
- If you ask someone qué estás tomando?, you might actually be asking them what beverage they are drinking. Because tomar is the standard verb for 'to drink', the context of the conversation is vital to avoid confusion.
- While tomando is widely understood due to English influence, using the verb dar (to give) can actually describe the student's perspective in some dialects, as in saying you are 'giving' the class alongside the teacher.
Examples in context
- Estoy llevando las siguientes clases: inglés, matemáticas y ciencias naturales.I am taking the following classes: English, mathematics, and natural sciences.
- Estoy cursando las siguientes asignaturas del segundo semestreI am taking/enrolled in the following subjects of the second semester
- Oye, ¿qué clases estás tomando este semestre?Hey, what classes are you taking this semester?
- ¿Qué clases estás tomando este semestre?What classes are you taking this semester?
- Dime qué clases estás tomando actualmente.Tell me what classes you are taking currently.
- No sé qué clases estás tomando en la universidad.I don't know what classes you are taking at the university.
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting about their university schedules.
- LucíaHola Mateo, ¿qué clases estás tomando?Hi Mateo, what classes are you taking?
- MateoEstoy tomando matemáticas y literatura.I am taking math and literature.
- Lucía¡Qué bien! Yo también tomo literatura.That's great! I am taking literature too.
- MateoEntonces nos vemos en clase.Then I will see you in class.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
