What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of qué (what), es (is) and eso (that).
Which one should you use?
Use ¿qué es esto? if the object is close to the speaker, and ¿qué es eso? if the object is further away. To refer to an object that is even further away than eso, often out of immediate reach or sight, use ¿qué es aquello?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, it is common to add che to the question, resulting in ¿Qué es eso, che? In Mexico, it is common to use compa in the question ¿Qué es eso, compa? In some Spanish-speaking regions, a slang way to ask is ¿Qué es eso, tío/a?
How does it change in a sentence?
If the objects you are asking about are feminine and plural, use ¿qué son esas? instead of ¿qué es eso? If the objects are masculine and plural, use ¿qué son esos? instead of ¿qué es eso?
Did you know?
- The word eso is used for objects of any gender when the speaker does not yet know what the object is, effectively acting as a neutral placeholder.
- The Spanish word qué is derived from the Latin word quid, which is the same root used in the English phrase 'quid pro quo'.
- In certain regions, the question ¿qué es eso? can be used rhetorically to express disgust or disbelief about an object, similar to saying 'what on earth is that'.
Examples in context
- Señor Rodríguez, ¿qué es eso?Mr. Rodríguez, what is that?
- Disculpe, ¿podría decirme qué es eso?Excuse me, could you tell me what that is?
- Oye, ¿qué es eso?Hey, what is that?
- ¿Qué es eso, tío? No entiendo.What is that, dude? I don't understand.
- ¿Qué es eso, che? No tengo idea.What is that, hey? I have no idea.
- Oye, ¿qué es eso, compa? Explícame.Hey, what is that, buddy? Explain it to me.
- Mira allá, ¿qué es eso?Look over there, what is that?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are walking in a park and see a strange object in the distance.
- Alejandro¿Qué es eso?What is that?
- LucíaParece una estatua nueva.It looks like a new statue.
- AlejandroEs muy grande.It is very big.
- LucíaSí, es impresionante.Yes, it is impressive.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, eso, qué, CC BY-SA 4.0.
