¿qué necesitas?
The English phrase "what do you need" is translated into Spanish as ¿qué necesitas?
This phrase is used as a question to ask someone what item or assistance they require. While it focuses on requirements, be aware that it is distinct from ¿qué quieres?, which means "what do you want?" and can sound more direct or demanding.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the expression ¿En qué te puedo echar la mano? is used to mean "How can I lend you a hand?"
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask a group of people what they need, use the plural form ¿Qué necesitan?
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, instead of asking ¿Qué necesitas?, people often use the phrase ¿Qué te hace falta?, which literally translates to 'What is lacking to you?'
- In some regions, using ¿qué necesitas? with the formal usted form ¿qué necesita? is common even among family members to show a specific type of traditional respect.
- The word qué shares a common ancestor with the English word 'what', both tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *kʷid.
Examples in context
- "¿Qué necesitas?" "¿Qué tienes?""What do you need?" "What do you have?"This example shows a potential response to the question "What do you need?"Tatoeba #10012054 by manufrutos, translation #10011959 by ddnktr
- ¿Qué necesitas?What do you need?This example demonstrates how to ask "What do you need?"Tatoeba #464547 by lukaszpp, translation #464546 by lukaszpp
Example conversation
Sofía sees Alejandro looking for something in the kitchen.
- SofíaHola, Alejandro. ¿Qué necesitas?Hi, Alejandro. What do you need?
- AlejandroNecesito una cuchara, por favor.I need a spoon, please.
- SofíaAquí tienes una.Here is one.
- AlejandroMuchas gracias, Sofía.Thank you very much, Sofía.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries qué, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
