Learning how to communicate effectively in Spanish requires understanding basic interrogative words. In this guide, we will explore how to say “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” “why,” and “how” in Spanish, both in formal and informal contexts. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways
1. Who: In formal settings, you can use the word “quién” to ask “who.” For example:
“¿Quién es el director de la empresa?” (Who is the director of the company?)
2. What: To ask “what” formally, use the word “qué.” For instance:
“¿Qué estudiaste en la universidad?” (What did you study in college?)
3. When: The formal way to ask “when” is using the word “cuándo.” Consider this example:
“¿Cuándo se llevará a cabo la reunión?” (When will the meeting take place?)
4. Where: The formal term for “where” is “dónde.” Here’s an example:
“¿Dónde se encuentra la estación de tren?” (Where is the train station located?)
5. Why: In formal situations, you can ask “why” using the word “por qué.” For instance:
“¿Por qué se canceló el concierto?” (Why was the concert canceled?)
6. How: Use the word “cómo” to ask “how” formally. Here’s an example:
“¿Cómo se hace esta receta?” (How is this recipe made?)
Informal Ways
1. Who: In more informal contexts, you can use “quien” without an accent. For example:
“¿Quien es ese chico?” (Who is that boy?)
2. What: The informal way to ask “what” is using “qué.” For instance:
“¿Qué hiciste ayer?” (What did you do yesterday?)
3. When: To ask “when” casually, use “cuándo” just like in formal situations. For example:
“¿Cuándo vamos a salir de vacaciones?” (When are we going on vacation?)
4. Where: In an informal setting, “dónde” remains the term for “where.” Consider this example:
“¿Dónde queda el restaurante que me mencionaste?” (Where is the restaurant you mentioned?)
5. Why: In informal conversations, “por qué” is still used to ask “why.” For instance:
“¿Por qué llegaste tarde?” (Why were you late?)
6. How: Use “cómo” to ask “how” in a relaxed context, just as in formal situations. For example:
“¿Cómo se hace este truco de magia?” (How is this magic trick done?)
Tips and Examples
– Remember to use question marks (¿?) at the beginning and end of interrogative sentences in Spanish.
– Pay attention to the accents in words like “quién” and “cuándo.”
– Use formal or informal language according to the context and the person you are speaking to.
Now, let’s review a few more examples using these interrogative words:
- Who: ¿Quién es tu mejor amigo? (Who is your best friend?)
- What: ¿Qué película viste ayer? (What movie did you watch yesterday?)
- When: ¿Cuándo comienza el concierto? (When does the concert start?)
- Where: ¿Dónde está mi teléfono? (Where is my phone?)
- Why: ¿Por qué estás enojado? (Why are you angry?)
- How: ¿Cómo se programa esta computadora? (How do you program this computer?)
Remember that fluency in a language comes with practice, so don’t be afraid to use these interrogative words in conversations. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
