When it comes to speaking Spanish, mastering slang expressions and informal language is essential for truly understanding and connecting with native speakers. One common word that is frequently used in slang conversations is “who.” In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “who” in Spanish slang, including both formal and informal expressions. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Who”
If you’re looking for a more polite or formal way to ask “who” in Spanish, there are a few expressions you can use. These expressions are commonly used in professional settings, formal conversations, or when speaking to individuals of higher social status:
1. ¿Quién?
The simplest and most common way to ask “who” formally in Spanish is by using the word “¿quián?”. This expression is the standard and proper way to inquire about someone’s identity. For instance:
¿Quién ganó el premio? (Who won the award?)
¿Con quién habla? (Who are you speaking with?)
2. ¿Quién es?
In some cases, you may want to ask not only about someone’s identity but also about their background or role. This is when the expression “¿quián es?” becomes useful. It translates to “who is” and is often used when inquiring about a person’s occupation, expertise, or position:
¿Quién es el profesor de matemáticas? (Who is the math teacher?)
¿Quién es el director de la empresa? (Who is the company’s director?)
Informal Ways to Say “Who”
When it comes to informal conversations or slang usage, native Spanish speakers tend to rely on a variety of alternative expressions to say “who”. These can vary depending on the region, but we’ll cover some widely recognized slang terms:
1. ¿Quién es ese?
A simple way to ask “who is that?” informally is by using the expression “¿quián es ese?”. It is commonly used when referring to a person you don’t recognize or someone who catches your attention:
¿Quién es ese chico guapo? (Who is that handsome guy?)
¿Quién es esa chica de allá? (Who is that girl over there?)
2. ¿Quién anda por ahí?
This expression is frequently used in informal settings and translates to “who’s around here?”. It’s often employed when you are curious about the people present in a specific location or trying to identify someone in a group:
¿Quién anda por ahí? No reconozco las voces. (Who’s around here? I don’t recognize the voices.)
¿Quién anda por ahí en la fiesta? (Who’s around here at the party?)
3. ¿Quién lo manda?
This expression is a bit more colloquial and can be translated as “who asked for it?” or “who is in charge?”. It is often used in a rhetorical way to question why someone is taking a certain action:
¿Quién lo manda meterse en problemas? (Who asked for trouble?)
¿Quién lo manda salir sin abrigo en pleno invierno? (Who is in charge of going out without a coat in the middle of winter?)
Regional Variations
While the previously mentioned expressions are widely used in many Spanish-speaking countries, it’s important to note that slang can vary across regions and even within different Spanish-speaking communities. Here are a couple of examples of regional variations:
1. ¿Quién es el/la pez?
This expression is commonly used in Mexico as a way to ask “who is the boss?” or “who is in charge?”. It can be seen as an equivalent of the English phrase “who wears the pants?”.
2. ¿Qué pez?
In some regions of the Dominican Republic, the term “¿qué pez?” is used as a slang expression for “what’s up?” or “what’s going on?”. While not directly related to the word “who”, it’s worth mentioning this regional variation to provide a broader understanding of Spanish slang.
Remember, slang expressions can evolve, and new phrases may emerge in different regions or social contexts. It’s always exciting to discover and understand the local slang when conversing with native speakers.
Conclusion
Mastering slang expressions in Spanish allows you to communicate more effectively and connect with native speakers in a more authentic way. In this guide, we explored the different ways to say “who” in Spanish slang, including both formal and informal expressions. From the standard “¿quián?” to various informal variations like “¿quián es ese?” or “¿quián anda por ahí?”, there is a wide range of expressions to make your Spanish conversations more lively and engaging. Remember to consider regional variations and keep an open mind to embrace the dynamic nature of slang. Now go out there and have fun incorporating these slang expressions into your Spanish conversations!
