Gertrude Mackenzie
Are you planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country or engaging in conversations with Spanish speakers? Knowing how to ask “What should we do?” can be incredibly useful. In this guide, we will explore different ways to express this question in Spanish, both formally and informally. Additionally, we will provide tips, examples, and discuss regional variations when necessary. Let’s dive in!
Formal Ways to Ask “What Should We Do?”
When speaking in formal situations or addressing someone with utmost respect, it’s essential to use a formal style of language. Here are some formal expressions you can utilize:
“¿Qué debemos hacer?”
This is a straightforward translation of “What should we do?” that can be used in any Spanish-speaking country. It’s a safe choice when you’re unsure about the appropriate level of formality.
“¿Qué se sugiere hacer?”
This expression is slightly more formal and can be translated as “What is suggested to do?” It’s a polite way to ask for recommendations in formal settings, such as professional meetings or academic environments.
Informal Ways to Ask “What Should We Do?”
When speaking with friends, family, or in informal settings, you have more flexibility in your choice of words. Here are some casual expressions you can use:
“¿Qué deberíamos hacer?”
This phrase, translating to “What should we do?”, is a common way to ask for suggestions casually. It’s suitable for conversations with friends, acquaintances, or people around the same age group.
“¿Qué haces?”
An alternative way to inquire about suggestions informally is to use “¿Qué haces?” which translates to “What are you up to?” This question implies that you want to know what the other person is doing and might generate activity suggestions or invites.
Examples using “What Should We Do?” in Spanish:
Here are some scenarios that demonstrate how to use the expressions we mentioned:
- Situation: You are planning a day trip with your friends in Spain.
Formal: “¿Qué debemos hacer durante nuestra visita?”
Informal: “¿Qué deberíamos hacer durante nuestra visita?” - Situation: You and your colleagues are attending a conference in Mexico.
Formal: “¿Qué se sugiere hacer en nuestro tiempo libre?”
Informal: “¿Qué haces en tu tiempo libre?” - Situation: You want to plan activities for a family gathering in Argentina.
Formal: “¿Qué debemos tener en cuenta al planificar nuestras actividades?”
Informal: “¿Qué hacemos durante la reunión familiar?”
Tips for Asking “What Should We Do?” in Spanish:
Here are some tips to enhance your conversational skills when asking for suggestions:
- Consider local customs: When in a specific country, adapting your language to local customs can help establish connections and show respect.
- Pay attention to body language: Non-verbal cues can provide valuable context. For example, a smile and a relaxed tone can make your informal conversations more friendly and engaging.
- Expand your vocabulary: While “¿Qué debemos hacer?” and “¿Qué deberíamos hacer?” are versatile phrases, exploring related vocabulary and synonyms will enrich your ability to express similar concepts more creatively.
- Practice active listening: When someone suggests an activity, show your interest by asking follow-up questions or expressing enthusiasm. This will help build stronger connections during conversations.
Remember, language is dynamic, and regional variations may exist. It’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with common phrases in the specific country or region you are visiting. Now you have a solid foundation to confidently ask, “What should we do?” in Spanish, whether in formal or informal situations. ¡Buena suerte!
