What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ¿de qué quieres hablar? translates to "of what do you want to talk?" because the verb hablar (to talk) requires the preposition de (about/of) to connect to a topic.
Which one should you use?
While ¿de qué quieres hablar? is the standard way to ask the question, you can also use ¿Sobre qué quieres hablar? to mean "About what do you want to talk?" This version is a common alternative that is slightly more formal or specific to a subject matter.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of Central America, it is common to use the word platicar instead of hablar when referring to conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking formally to someone you address with usted, change quieres to quiere, resulting in ¿de qué quiere hablar? or ¿de qué desea hablar? If you are in Spain and addressing a group of people informally, use the form ¿de qué queréis hablar?
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying ¿qué quieres hablar? English speakers often mistakenly omit the de at the beginning, but in Spanish, you must include de because you talk "about" (de) a topic.
Did you know?
- The English word 'fable' is a close relative of the Spanish verb hablar, sharing the same Latin root 'fabulari' which means 'to chat' or 'to converse'.
- When asking a group of friends in Spain ¿de qué queréis hablar?, you are using a specific plural form called 'vosotros' that is almost never heard in Spanish-speaking Americas.
- In some contexts, using hablar can imply a serious or one-sided conversation, whereas platicar suggests a friendly, mutual exchange of stories.
Examples in context
- Tengo mucho tiempo, ¿de qué quieres hablar?I have plenty of time, what do you want to talk about?
- Tú eliges, ¿de qué quieres hablar?You choose, what do you want to talk about?
Example conversation
Two friends are sitting in a cafe having a long chat.
- JavierHola María, ¿de qué quieres hablar?Hello María, what do you want to talk about?
- MaríaQuiero contarte sobre mi nuevo trabajo.I want to tell you about my new job.
- Javier¡Qué bien! Cuéntame todo.That's great! Tell me everything.
- MaríaBueno, es un poco largo.Well, it is a bit long.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, hablar, qué, CC BY-SA 4.0.
