Learning how to express the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” in Spanish can be an exciting and meaningful journey. Whether you want to have a casual conversation with a friend or ask someone in a more formal setting, this guide will provide you with the necessary phrases, tips, and examples to confidently navigate this topic. Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Ask “What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?”
When addressing someone more formally, such as an adult or a person you hold in high regard, you can use the following phrases:
- “¿Qué quieres ser cuando seas grande?” – This is a direct translation of the question and is commonly used in formal settings. It’s important to note that “seas grande” literally means “you are big” and is used in the sense of “when you grow up.”
- “¿Qué te gustaría ser en el futuro?” – Translated as “What would you like to be in the future?” this question is a polite way to inquire about someone’s aspirations.
- “¿Cuál es tu profesión soñada?” – This means “What is your dream profession?” and provides a more refined and formal way to ask about someone’s desired career path.
2. Informal Ways to Ask “What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?”
When you want to have a casual conversation or use a more colloquial approach with friends, family, or younger individuals, you can utilize the following expressions:
- “¿Qué quieres ser de mayor?” – This is a familiar and commonly used phrase among friends or when speaking to children. It translates to “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
- “¿Qué te gustaría hacer cuando seas grande?” – Here, the verb “hacer” (to do) is used instead of “ser” (to be). This phrase is informal and can be used in a casual setting.
- “¿Cuál es tu sueño?” – Literally meaning “What is your dream?”, this question allows for more open-ended answers and encourages a deeper discussion about aspirations.
3. Examples and Tips
Now let’s dive into some examples and additional tips to help you use these phrases effectively:
Example 1:
Person A: ¿Qué quieres ser cuando seas grande?
Person B: Me gustaría ser escritor.
Translation:
Person A: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Person B: I would like to be a writer.
When engaging in this conversation, remember to:
- Listen attentively to the other person’s response. Show genuine interest and ask follow-up questions.
- Use appropriate body language and gestures to convey your engagement in the conversation.
- Share your own aspirations or dreams to foster a deeper connection.
- Be respectful of the other person’s choices and dreams. Encourage them to pursue what they are passionate about.
Example 2:
Person A: ¿Qué te gustaría ser en el futuro?
Person B: Siempre he soñado con ser médico y ayudar a los demás.
Translation:
Person A: What would you like to be in the future?
Person B: I have always dreamt of being a doctor and helping others.
While having these conversations, keep the following tips in mind:
- Respect cultural differences and regional variations in responses. Different regions have unique perspectives on careers and aspirations.
- Encourage the use of descriptive language when talking about future professions. This helps create vivid imagery and brings the conversation to life.
- Be open-minded and supportive of the person’s chosen path, regardless of whether it aligns with societal expectations or stereotypes.
Conclusion
Expressing the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” in Spanish opens up opportunities for meaningful conversations about aspirations and dreams. By mastering the formal and informal phrases provided in this guide, you can confidently engage in these discussions. Remember to actively listen, show interest, and offer support in order to build stronger connections with others. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
