What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ¿qué quieres beber? is composed of qué (what), quieres (you want) and beber (to drink).
Which one should you use?
While beber means "to drink", many speakers use tomar to mean the same thing in casual conversation. In Spain, the phrase ¿Qué le gustaría tomar? is a common way to ask "What would you like to have?" in a formal context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many parts of Latin America, the verb tomar is more common than beber when referring to drinking. In Spain, among friends and family, you might hear the informal phrase ¿Qué te apetece beber? which means "What do you feel like drinking?"
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to someone you address as usted to show respect or maintain formality, use the form ¿qué quiere beber? instead of the informal ¿qué quieres beber?
Did you know?
- In Spanish, if you ask someone what they want to drink and they answer with una caña, they are specifically asking for a small glass of draught beer, a custom very specific to Spain.
- In many Latin American countries, if you use the word tomar to mean 'to drink', you might also be colloquially saying 'to drink alcohol'.
- The word qué in this phrase originates from the Latin quid, which is also the root of the English word 'quid' used as slang for a British pound sterling.
Examples in context
- ¿Qué quieres beber? Un refrescoWhat do you want to drink? A soft drink
- Dime, ¿qué quieres beber?Tell me, what do you want to drink?
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are at a cafe.
- ElenaHola, Javier. ¿Qué quieres beber?Hello, Javier. What do you want to drink?
- JavierQuiero un café con leche, por favor.I want a coffee with milk, please.
- ElenaPerfecto, yo pediré un té verde.Perfect, I will order a green tea.
- JavierSuena muy bien, Elena.That sounds very good, Elena.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beber, qué, CC BY-SA 4.0.
