qué quieres comer
/ke kjeɾes komeɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "what you want to eat" is translated into Spanish as qué quieres comer.
This phrase is a question used to ask someone about their food preferences for a meal. You can also use the alternative expression ¿Qué te apetece comer? to focus more on a specific craving or desire.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of qué (what), quieres (you want) and comer (to eat).
Which one should you use?
In Spanish, the question word qué must carry an accent mark to distinguish it from the relative pronoun que (that/which).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you can use the word antojo to express informal culinary desires. In Spain, the word tapear can be used to express the desire to eat tapas and it is also common to use tener ganas de followed by a specific dish.
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask a group of people what they want to eat, use the plural form quieren to say qué quieren comer.
How do you pronounce it?
/ke kjeɾes komeɾ/
Did you know?
- While comer means 'to eat', in many Spanish-speaking cultures it specifically refers to the midday meal, the largest of the day. In these regions, asking ¿qué quieres comer? often refers specifically to lunch rather than any general meal.
- While qué quieres comer asks what someone wants to eat, the verb querer is also used in the phrase te quiero to say 'I love you'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking ¿Qué quieres comer? can feel slightly direct or even blunt when speaking to an elder or a guest.
Examples in context
- Dime qué quieres comer hoy.Tell me what you want to eat today.
- ¿Qué quieres comer para la cena?What do you want to eat for dinner?
- No sé qué quieres comer tú.I don't know what you want to eat.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are deciding on a meal at home.
- DanielElena, ¿qué quieres comer?Elena, what do you want to eat?
- ElenaNo estoy segura, Daniel.I am not sure, Daniel.
- Daniel¿Quieres comer pizza?Do you want to eat pizza?
- ElenaSí, me parece bien.Yes, that sounds good to me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
