¿A ti qué te importa?
The English phrase "what is it to you?" is translated into Spanish as ¿A ti qué te importa?
This phrase is used to tell someone that a particular matter is none of their business.
Which one should you use?
While the default form ¿A ti qué te importa? can sound quite blunt or rude depending on the tone, you can also use ¿Y a ti qué te importa? to mean "And what does it matter to you?", ¿A ti qué te incumbe? to mean "What does it concern you?" or ¿Y tú qué tienes que ver? to say "And what do you have to do with it?"
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing someone formally or with respect, use the form ¿A usted qué le importa?
Did you know?
- The word importa comes from the Latin importare, which meant 'to carry in'. In the context of this phrase, it suggests that the information is not something the listener needs to 'carry' or hold.
- The verb importar in ¿A ti qué te importa? is a 'false friend' for English speakers. While it sounds like 'importing' goods, it actually means 'to matter' or 'to be important'.
- Depending on the region, some speakers might replace ¿A ti qué te importa? with ¿A ti qué más te da?, which literally asks 'what more does it give you?' to express indifference.
Examples in context
- No te metas, ¿a ti qué te importa?Don't interfere, what is it to you?
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are arguing about her new job.
- MaríaTengo un trabajo nuevo.I have a new job.
- AlejandroNo me parece una buena idea.I don't think it's a good idea.
- María¿A ti qué te importa?What is it to you?
- AlejandroSolo quiero ayudarte, María.I just want to help you, María.
