¿Cuál es el código?
The English phrase "what is the code" is translated into Spanish as ¿Cuál es el código?
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'Which is the code?' because cuál is used to select one specific item from a set of possibilities.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, cuál is used instead of qué when asking for a specific piece of information like a code, password or number.
Did you know?
- The word código comes from the Latin caudex, which originally referred to the trunk of a tree. This is because early wooden tablets used for writing looked like logs.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you are asking for a telephone PIN, people might use the word clave instead of código.
- If you use qué es el código?, a native speaker might think you are asking for the definition of the concept of a code, rather than asking for the specific digits.
Examples in context
- Oye, ¿me dices cuál es el código para desbloquear esto?Hey, can you tell me what the code is to unlock this?
- Disculpe, ¿me podría proporcionar el código para acceder a la sala de reuniones?Excuse me, could you provide me with the code to access the meeting room?
- No sé cuál es el código de acceso.I don't know what the access code is.
- No sé la contraseña, ¿cuál es el código?I don't know the password, what is the code?
- Para entrar al sistema, ¿cuál es el código?To enter the system, what is the code?
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are trying to access a locked digital folder.
- MateoElena, ¿cuál es el código?Elena, what is the code?
- ElenaEs el número de la oficina.It is the office number.
- MateoLo intentaré de nuevo.I will try it again.
- ElenaEspero que funcione.I hope it works.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuál, código, el, es, CC BY-SA 4.0.
