How to Say “What” Politely in Spanish

When it comes to speaking politely in Spanish, it’s essential to know how to handle the word “what” in various contexts. Whether you’re interacting with someone formally or informally, understanding the appropriate and respectful ways to express “what” is crucial for effective communication. In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to say “what” politely in Spanish, taking into account regional variations while providing plenty of tips and examples.

Informal Ways to Say “What” Politely

When you’re in a casual or informal setting, you can use the following phrases to express “what” politely:

“¿Cómo?” – “How?”

The word “cómo” (how) is often used informally to ask someone to repeat or clarify what they said. By using this phrase, you acknowledge a lack of understanding in a polite manner. For instance:

Friend: Ayer fui a un concierto increíble. (Yesterday I went to an amazing concert.)

You: ¿Cómo? No te escuché bien. (What? I didn’t hear you clearly.)

“Perdón” or “Disculpa” – “Excuse me”

These words, “perdón” and “disculpa,” can be used to politely ask someone to repeat themselves or to inquire about something that wasn’t clear. Here’s an example:

Stranger: ¿Sabes dónde está la estación de tren? (Do you know where the train station is?)

You: Perdón, pero no estoy seguro. (Excuse me, but I’m not sure.)

Formal Ways to Say “What” Politely

When speaking formally or addressing someone you don’t know well, using these phrases to say “what” politely in Spanish is more appropriate:

“¿Cómo dice?” or “¿Cómo puedo ayudarle?” – “How can I help you?”

These expressions are commonly used in formal contexts. “¿Cómo dice?” means “How do you say [that]?” and can be used to ask someone to repeat something. “¿Cómo puedo ayudarle?” literally translates to “How can I help you?” and is a respectful way to inquire further or gain clarification. Here’s an example:

Client: Quisiera información sobre los precios. (I would like information about the prices.)

You: ¿Cómo dice? Está buscando información sobre los precios, ¿correcto? (What did you say? You’re looking for information about the prices, right?)

Or:

You: ¿Cómo puedo ayudarle? (How can I help you?)

“Disculpe” or “Perdone” – “Excuse me”

In formal situations, using “disculpe” or “perdone” is a polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves or to gain further clarification:

Speaker: La conferencia comenzará a las 10:00 a.m. (The conference will start at 10:00 a.m.)

You: Disculpe, ¿puede repetir la hora, por favor? (Excuse me, can you repeat the time, please?)

Regional Variations

While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and used across Spanish-speaking countries, there might be slight variations in regional speech. Here are a few examples:

Spain:

In Spain, you’ll often hear the word “qué” being used informally to say “what.” It can convey surprise or confusion. For instance:

Friend: He ganado la lotería. (I won the lottery.)

You: ¡Qué! ¿En serio? (What! Really?)

Mexico:

In Mexico, the word “mande” is commonly used instead of “qué” to indicate surprise or request repetition. Here’s an example:

Colleague: Hay una reunión importante a las 3:00 p.m. (There’s an important meeting at 3:00 p.m.)

You: ¿Mande? No escuché bien. (What? I didn’t hear you well.)

Wrapping Up

Politeness is valued in any language, and in Spanish, knowing how to say “what” politely is crucial for effective communication. Remember to adjust your language depending on the formality of the situation. Whether you’re using the informal phrases like “¿Cómo?” or the formal expressions such as “¿Cómo dice?” or “Disculpe,” ensure you adopt a respectful tone. Practice these phrases in various contexts and pay attention to regional variations to become a confident and polite Spanish speaker!