What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ¿con quién estás hablando? is built from con (with), quién (who), estás (you are) and hablando (talking).
Which one should you use?
While ¿con quién estás hablando? uses the continuous form to describe an action currently in progress, ¿con quién hablas? uses the present simple and is a common, slightly more concise way to ask the same question. Additionally, ¿A quién le hablas? is another common informal way to ask "Who are you talking to?"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you can use the informal expression ¿Con quién platicas? to ask "Who are you talking to?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb conjugation determines the subject: use estás for the informal "you", está for the formal "you" or for "he/she" and están to direct the question at a group of people (plural "you").
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid placing the preposition at the end of the sentence, such as ¿quién estás hablando con? While this follows English word order, in Spanish the preposition must precede the pronoun quién.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking ¿con quién hablas? while someone is on the phone can be perceived as more intrusive or suspicious than the English equivalent.
- The word con descends from the Proto-Indo-European root *ḱóm, which meant 'next to', 'at', 'with' or 'along'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you use the verb platicar instead of hablar, it specifically implies a more casual, friendly, or lengthy chat rather than just a quick exchange of information.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿con quién está hablando?Excuse me, who are you talking to?
- ¿A quién se dirige?To whom are you addressing yourself?
- Oye, ¿con quién estás hablando?Hey, who are you talking to?
- ¿A quién le hablas?Who are you talking to?
- ¿Con quién conversas?Who are you chatting with?
- No te oigo, ¿con quién estás hablando?I can't hear you, who are you talking to?
Example conversation
Lucia enters the room and sees Alejandro on the phone.
- LucíaHola, Alejandro. ¿Con quién estás hablando?Hello, Alejandro. Who are you talking to?
- AlejandroEstoy hablando con mi hermano.I am talking to my brother.
- LucíaAh, entiendo. ¿Todo está bien?Ah, I see. Is everything okay?
- AlejandroSí, solo estamos planeando la cena.Yes, we are just planning dinner.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries con, quién, CC BY-SA 4.0.
