¿Qué necesitas?
The English phrase "what do you need?" is translated into Spanish as ¿Qué necesitas?
In a more polite or professional context, you might use ¿En qué puedo servirle?, which means "How may I be of service to you?" to offer assistance.
What does it mean word for word?
Qué means "what" in this interrogative context and necesitas means "you need", which is the second-person singular (tú) conjugation of the verb necesitar.
Which one should you use?
¿Qué necesitas? is the version used for informal situations, while ¿Qué necesita? is the formal version.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Latin America where vos is preferred, such as Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Central America, you may hear the variation ¿Qué necesitás?
How does it change in a sentence?
When asking a group of people what they need, use the form ¿Qué necesitan?
Did you know?
- The Spanish word qué is a direct descendant of the Latin word quid, which is also the root of the English word 'quid' used as slang for a British pound.
- In highly formal settings, such as luxury hotels, the phrase ¿En qué puedo servirle? replaces the concept of 'need' entirely with the concept of 'service' to avoid implying the guest is in a state of lack.
- In certain regions, if you ask ¿Qué necesitas? during a friendly argument, it can be used sarcastically to imply that the other person is being too demanding or acting like a spoiled child.
Examples in context
- ¿Qué necesitás para la fiesta de esta noche? / Necesito comprar algunos refrescos y botanas.What do you need for tonight's party? / I need to buy some sodas and snacks.
Example conversation
Lucía sees Daniel looking for something in the kitchen.
- LucíaHola Daniel, ¿qué necesitas?Hi Daniel, what do you need?
- DanielBusco el abridor de latas.I'm looking for the can opener.
- LucíaEstá en el cajón pequeño.It is in the small drawer.
- DanielGracias, Lucía.Thanks, Lucía.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries qué, CC BY-SA 4.0.
