Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| qué | /ˈke/ |
| cuál | /ˈkwal/ |
In Spanish, qué is used to ask for a definition or an explanation. It can also function as an interrogative adjective when placed directly before a noun, such as in ¿Qué libro lees? (What book are you reading?).
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on the context of the question. Use qué when you want a definition or an explanation. Use cuál when you are asking to identify one specific item from a group of available options.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use qué as an interrogative pronoun within a question, it must always carry an accent mark on the e.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈke/
When do people say it?
In casual conversation, you might hear someone say just ¿Qué? to ask someone to repeat themselves. While this is very common, be aware that using it in formal settings can be perceived as blunt or rude.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, if you want to say 'What?' without sounding blunt, you might use the phrase ¿Cómo? instead of ¿Qué?
- The Spanish word qué shares its ancient roots with the English word 'what', as both descend from the Proto-Indo-European root *kʷid.
- Spanish speakers use qué to create exclamations of surprise or intensity, such as ¡Qué calor! to say 'What heat!' or 'How hot it is!'
Examples in context
- ¿Y a mí qué?So what?This sentence shows how to use qué to express 'So what?'Tatoeba #2008103 by Shishir, translation #1340 by Sbgodin
- Sé de qué va.I know what it's about.This sentence demonstrates the use of qué in the phrase 'what it's about'.Tatoeba #5645606 by arh, translation #5636517 by CK
- ¿Qué vas a ser?What are you going to be?This sentence shows how to use qué to ask about a future state or profession.Tatoeba #1225847 by wallebot, translation #16262 by AlanF_US
- ¿Qué haces?What are you doing?
- ¿Qué desea?What would you like?
- ¿Cuál prefieres, el rojo o el azul?Which do you prefer, red or blue?
- ¿Cuál es su dirección?What is your address?
- 6065 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are meeting unexpectedly in a cafe.
- Lucía¿Qué haces aquí, Javier?What are you doing here, Javier?
- JavierSolo estoy tomando un café.I'm just having a coffee.
- Lucía¿Qué es ese ruido?What is that noise?
- JavierNo sé qué es.I don't know what it is.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “what” translations and entries qué, cuál, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuál, qué, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
