When learning a new language, it’s essential to grasp everyday conversational phrases. One such phrase is “What do you have?” which allows you to inquire about someone’s possessions or offerings. In Spanish, there are both formal and informal ways of asking this question depending on the context and the relationship you have with the person you’re addressing. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “What do you have?” in Spanish, highlighting regional variations where relevant and providing useful tips and examples along the way. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What Do You Have?”
If you find yourself in a formal setting or speaking to someone you should address with respect, use the following phrases to ask about their possessions:
1. ¿Qué tiene usted? (keh tee-eh-neh oo-sted)
2. ¿Qué tiene usted para ofrecer? (keh tee-eh-neh oo-sted pah-rah oh-feh-sehr)
When using these phrases, it is important to note the use of the formal pronoun “usted,” indicating respect and maintaining a polite tone. They can be used in business meetings, formal interviews, or when addressing elders.
Here’s an example:
Interviewer: ¿Qué tiene usted para ofrecer a nuestra empresa? (keh tee-eh-neh oo-sted pah-rah oh-feh-sehr ah noo-eh-strah em-pray-sah)
Candidate: Tengo una amplia experiencia en ventas. (tehn-goh oo-nah ahm-plee-ah eh-speh-ree-ehn-sah en vehn-tahs)
The formal phrasing is appropriate when addressing someone you aren’t familiar with or in professional contexts.
Informal Ways to Say “What Do You Have?”
When talking to friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use the following informal expressions to ask about possessions or what someone has to offer:
1. ¿Qué tienes? (keh tee-eh-nehs)
2. ¿Qué tienes para ofrecer? (keh tee-eh-nehs pah-rah oh-feh-sehr)
Using these informal phrases conveys a sense of familiarity and comfort, suitable for conversations with peers, acquaintances, and close friends.
Let’s look at an example:
Friend: ¿Qué tienes para ofrecer en tu fiesta de cumpleaños? (keh tee-eh-nehs pah-rah oh-feh-sehr en too fee-es-tah deh koom-pleh-anyos)
You: Tengo una gran selección de música y un ambiente divertido. (tehn-goh oo-nah grahn seh-lehk-see-on deh moo-see-kah ee oon ahm-bee-ehn-teh dee-ver-tee-doh)
Using informal language fosters a sense of closeness and is appropriate for friendly conversations.
Tips and Regional Variations
Here are a few tips to enhance your understanding and usage of these phrases:
- 1. Vocabulary Variation: Instead of using “tener” (to have), you can use “poseer” (to possess) to convey a slightly different meaning. For instance, “¿Qué posee usted?” or “¿Qué posees?”
- 2. Gestures: Adding appropriate hand gestures can help convey your question more clearly, regardless of the phrasing you choose.
- 3. Regional Variations: While these phrases are widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, some regions may have their own unique variations. For example, in Mexico, you might hear “¿Qué tienes disponible?” which means “What do you have available?”
Conclusion
Mastering the phrases for inquiring about someone’s possessions or offerings is crucial when learning a new language. In Spanish, you can ask “What do you have?” formally by using “¿Qué tiene usted?” or informally by using “¿Qué tienes?”. Remember to adapt your language depending on the context and the level of familiarity you have with the person you’re addressing. Keep practicing and incorporating these phrases into your everyday conversations, and your Spanish skills will continue to thrive!
