¿qué quieres que te diga?
The English phrase "what do you want me to say?" is translated into Spanish as ¿qué quieres que te diga?
This phrase is a question used to ask someone what specific words or response they are expecting to hear.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "what do you want that I tell you" because Spanish uses a subjunctive clause to express the object of the desire. The verb decir is used in the subjunctive mood as diga because it follows a verb of wanting or wishing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form ¿qué quieres que te diga? uses the 'tú' form and is used for friends, family or peers.
Did you know?
- Depending on the tone, ¿qué quieres que te diga? can function as a sarcastic way of saying 'obviously'. It implies that the answer is so clear that any further words would be redundant.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, this phrase can be used to deflect blame during an argument. By asking ¿qué quieres que te diga?, the speaker shifts the burden of the conversation onto the other person to provide the 'correct' answer.
- The Spanish word qué shares a common ancestor with the English word 'who', both originating from the same Proto-Indo-European roots.
Examples in context
- Cuando esté en el escenario, ¿qué desea que diga?When I am on stage, what do you want me to say?
- Si es necesario dar un discurso, ¿qué le gustaría que dijera?If it is necessary to give a speech, what would you like me to say?
- Si tienes miedo de hablar en público, ¿qué quieres que diga por ti?If you are afraid of public speaking, what do you want me to say on your behalf?
- Vamos a una fiesta y no sabes bien el idioma, ¿qué te gustaría que dijera?We are going to a party, and you don't know the language well. What would you like me to say?
- ¿Qué quieres que te diga?, no sé qué responder.What do you want me to say? I don't know how to respond.
- No estoy enojado, ¿qué quieres que te diga?I'm not angry, what do you want me to say?
- Si no te gusta mi respuesta, ¿qué quieres que te diga?If you don't like my answer, what do you want me to say?
Example conversation
Mateo and María are having a difficult discussion about their relationship.
- MateoNo entiendo por qué estás molesta conmigo.I don't understand why you are upset with me.
- MaríaSolo quiero que seas sincero.I just want you to be sincere.
- Mateo¿Qué quieres que te diga? No tengo más palabras.What do you want me to say? I have no more words.
- MaríaNecesito saber la verdad, Mateo.I need to know the truth, Mateo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries diga, que, qué, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
