sabes qué
/sabes ke/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'you know what' is translated into Spanish as sabes qué.
sabes qué is used as an introductory filler to present a new idea or suggestion to the listener. In this context, it is typically used in informal speech.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the second-person singular form of the verb saber (to know) and the interrogative pronoun qué (what).
Which one should you use?
When used as an introductory phrase, sabes qué is often used with a rising intonation. In contrast, in a declarative sentence such as 'Sabes qué pasó' (You know what happened), the intonation is flat.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the subject from 'you' to 'he' or 'she', the verb changes from sabes to sabe, resulting in sabe qué.
How do you pronounce it?
/sabes ke/
Did you know?
- While sabes qué is a general introductory phrase, in Mexico it can serve as a linguistic 'warning light' that the speaker is about to deliver a correction or bad news.
- While sabes qué is a common way to start a sentence, many Spanish speakers from Spain will instead use the phrase sabes una cosa to achieve the exact same effect.
- The word qué is a direct descendant of the Latin word 'quid', which was used by the Romans to ask 'what'.
Examples in context
- ¿Sabes qué día es?Do you know what day it is?This example shows the use of sabes qué in a question about the day.Tatoeba #1976550 by Shishir, translation #24597 by CK
- ¿Sabes qué nos trajo?Do you know what he brought us?This example shows the use of sabes qué in a question about what was brought.Tatoeba #6686007 by arh, translation #9668522 by DJ_Saidez
- Sabes qué nos compró.You know what he bought us.This example shows the use of sabes qué in a declarative sentence about a purchase.Tatoeba #6686010 by arh, translation #8217189 by magnificentgoddess
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are deciding what to do for dinner.
- MaríaSabes qué, vamos a comer pizza.You know what, let's eat pizza.
- JavierMe parece una idea excelente.That sounds like an excellent idea to me.
- MaríaYo pido la cena ahora.I will order the dinner now.
- JavierPerfecto, yo busco las bebidas.Perfect, I will look for the drinks.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries qué, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
