Buenas noticias! You’ve come to the right place to learn how to say “What do you want to do” in Spanish. Whether you’re communicating formally or informally, we’ll cover all the bases and even provide some regional variations when necessary. Get ready to expand your linguistic skills and have some fun along the way!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What Do You Want to Do” in Spanish
When addressing someone formally, you should use the polite form of speech. Here are a few phrases you can use to ask someone what they want to do:
- ¿Qué desea hacer? – This is a straightforward way to ask someone, “What do you want to do?” The verb “desea” is the formal form of “quieres” (to want).
- ¿En qué puedo servirle? – This phrase translates to “How can I assist you?” and is often used in formal settings. It expresses willingness to help someone decide what they want to do.
- ¿Cuál es su preferencia? – Use this phrase to ask for someone’s preference or what they would like to do. It shows respect and allows the person to choose freely.
Informal Ways to Say “What Do You Want to Do” in Spanish
When addressing friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use a more relaxed language. Here are a few informal phrases to ask what someone wants to do:
- ¿Qué quieres hacer? – This is the straightforward and widely used way to ask your friends, “What do you want to do?” You can use it with close acquaintances or people you are on familiar terms with.
- ¿Y ahora qué hacemos? – This question translates to “What do we do now?” and is perfect for situations where you and your friends are deciding on activities together.
- ¿Cuál es tu plan? – Use this phrase to ask someone about their plan or what they have in mind. It’s a more informal way of seeking their input.
Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken across various regions of the world, and some slight variations exist in how people express themselves. Here’s a regional variation you might encounter:
Latin America
In Latin America, you might come across the phrase:
¿Qué te gustaría hacer?
This question, which translates to “What would you like to do?”, is commonly used in Latin America and is a polite way to inquire about someone’s preferences.
Tips and Examples
Here are a few tips and examples to help you use the phrases effectively:
Tips:
- Make sure to use the correct pronouns depending on whether you address someone formally or informally. “Usted” is formal, while “tú” or “vos” are informal.
- Practice the pronunciation of the phrases to ensure effective communication.
- Use gestures and body language to supplement your verbal communication.
Examples:
Let’s now look at some examples using the phrases we’ve learned:
- Formal Example:
Host: ¡Bienvenido! ¿Qué desea hacer durante su estadía? (Welcome! What would you like to do during your stay?) Guest: Me gustaría visitar algunos museos y probar la comida local. (I would like to visit some museums and try the local food.)
- Informal Example:
Friend 1: Hola, ¿qué quieres hacer esta tarde? (Hi, what do you want to do this afternoon?) Friend 2: No estoy seguro, ¿y ahora qué hacemos? (I’m not sure, what do we do now?)
Congratulations! You’ve now learned several ways to ask “What do you want to do” in Spanish. Remember to choose the appropriate formality based on the context and your relationship with the person you’re talking to. Practice these phrases with friends, family, or even by yourself to gain fluency. ¡Buena suerte!
