¿cuál es la contraseña?
To say "what is the password?" in Spanish, use ¿cuál es la contraseña?
This phrase is used to ask for the secret word or string of characters needed to gain access to something. The term la contraseña is the standard way to refer to a digital password in many Spanish-speaking countries, though it can also refer to a military watchword or countersign. You may also use la clave as a synonym, which can mean a password, a code or a key.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "which is the password?" because cuál is used to select one specific item from a set of possibilities.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, a common variation is ¿Cuál es el password?
How does it change in a sentence?
The word cuál is the singular form of the interrogative pronoun used in this phrase. If you are asking about multiple passwords, you should use the plural form cuáles.
Did you know?
- The word contraseña is a compound of contra (against/opposite) and seña (sign/mark). It historically refers to a secret sign or mark used to identify a friend from an enemy.
- In some contexts, la contraseña can refer to a 'countersign', where one person says a word and the other must respond with a specific second word to prove their identity.
- In many Latin American countries, the term clave is preferred over contraseña when referring to the secret code used to access a bank account.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál es la contraseña para la red Wi-Fi?What is the password for the Wi-Fi network?
- ¿Podría proporcionarme la clave del correo electrónico, por favor?Could you provide me with the password for the email, please?
- ¿Me dices el password del teléfono?Can you tell me the phone's password?
- ¿Cuál es el password de la cuenta?What is the account's password?
- No recuerdo la clave, ¿cuál es la contraseña?I don't remember the key, what is the password?
Example conversation
Lucia is trying to connect to Javier's home internet.
- LucíaHola Javier, ¿cuál es la contraseña?Hi Javier, what is the password?
- JavierEs la palabra 'casa' con un uno.It is the word 'casa' with a one.
- LucíaGracias, voy a probar ahora.Thanks, I'm going to try it now.
- JavierDe nada, avísame si funciona.You're welcome, let me know if it works.
