How to Say Basic Questions in Spanish: Fast-Track Linguistic Mastery
Adults pick up question patterns faster with comparison tables and lots of practice using common question-answer pairs.
Posted by
Stewart KaplanRelated reading
How to Say Basic Sentences in Spanish: Fast-Track to Fluency Patterns
Fluency grows faster by repeating real phrases, not just memorizing words. Phrases stick better - word order and verb endings come together naturally.
How to Say Can You Help Me in Spanish: Microlearning for Rapid Recall
Context is everything: strangers, workplaces, and older adults call for formal; friends and family, go informal.
How to Say Common Expressions in Spanish: Adult Learning That Clicks
Spanish is spoken by over 580 million people worldwide, making it the second most spoken language - so, tons of chances to actually use what you learn.
TL;DR
- Spanish questions use three main formats: just add question marks to a statement, flip the subject and verb, or tack on tags like ¿verdad? or ¿no? at the end.
- Question words (qué, dónde, cuándo, quién, por qué, cómo, cuál, cuánto) always have accents and need inverted punctuation (¿?) in writing.
- For yes/no questions, you don’t need special words - just raise your voice or use question marks.
- For open questions, start with the question word, then the verb, and the subject (if used) usually goes last.
- Adults pick up question patterns faster with comparison tables and lots of practice using common question-answer pairs.
Essential Spanish Question Words and Structures
Spanish questions stick to nine main question words, two special punctuation marks, and clear patterns for yes/no versus open-ended questions. The way you say it - intonation or tags - keeps things natural.
Overview of Key Spanish Question Words
| Spanish | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Qué? | What? | ¿Qué estudias? (What do you study?) |
| ¿Cómo? | How? | ¿Cómo te llamas? (What's your name?) |
| ¿Dónde? | Where? | ¿Dónde vives? (Where do you live?) |
| ¿Cuándo? | When? | ¿Cuándo llegas? (When do you arrive?) |
| ¿Por qué? | Why? | ¿Por qué estudias español? (Why do you study Spanish?) |
| ¿Quién? | Who? | ¿Quién es ella? (Who is she?) |
| ¿Cuál? | Which? | ¿Cuál prefieres? (Which do you prefer?) |
| ¿Cuánto/a/os/as? | How much/many? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much does it cost?) |
| ¿De quién? | Whose? | ¿De quién es este libro? (Whose book is this?) |
Key differences:
- ¿Qué? = ask for a definition or general thing
- ¿Cuál? = pick from a set
- ¿Cuánto? = changes with gender/number: cuánto tiempo, cuánta agua, cuántos días, cuántas personas
Rule → Example
Rule: Question words must have an accent mark.
Example: qué (what) vs. que (that).
Forming Yes/No Versus Information Questions
Closed questions (yes/no):
- Just add question marks: Hablas inglés. → ¿Hablas inglés?
- Or flip subject and verb: ¿Tiene usted tiempo?
- Raise your voice at the end when speaking
Information questions:
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| Question word + verb + (subject) | ¿Dónde vive María? |
| Question word + verb + object | ¿Qué estudias? |
| Question word + verb + preposition | ¿De dónde eres? |
Rule → Example
Rule: Don’t put the subject before the verb in Spanish questions.
Example: Incorrect: ¿Dónde tú vives? / Correct: ¿Dónde vives?
Spanish Question Marks and Inverted Punctuation
Spanish question marks always go at the start and end of a question.
| Placement Rule | Example |
|---|---|
| Only frame the question, not the whole sentence | Mañana, ¿vas al mercado? |
| For questions inside longer sentences | Si tienes tiempo, ¿puedes ayudarme? |
| For several questions in a row | ¿Cómo estás? ¿Qué haces? |
| Device | Shortcut for ¿ |
|---|---|
| Windows | Alt + 0191 |
| Mac | Option + Shift + ? |
| Mobile | Hold down ? key |
Rule: Always use the inverted question mark at the start in writing.
Example: ¿Dónde está? (Not: Donde está?)
Tag Questions and Intonation in Conversation
Common tag questions:
| Tag | English meaning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Verdad? | Right? / Isn't it? | Slightly formal |
| ¿No? | Right? / No? | Casual |
| ¿Cierto? | True? | Less common |
Attach these to a statement to check or confirm: Hace calor, ¿verdad?
Rule: Use ¿no? for casual, ¿verdad? for formal.
Example: Vienes mañana, ¿no?
Intonation Patterns
| Question Type | Intonation |
|---|---|
| Yes/no | Pitch rises at end |
| Information | Pitch falls after question word, rises slightly |
| Tag | Pitch rises on the tag |
Rule: In speech, intonation alone can signal a yes/no question.
Example: Tienes hambre ↗ (Are you hungry?)
Most Common Basic Questions in Spanish for Everyday Use
Spanish learners need questions in Spanish for identity, place, time, and daily needs. These cover the basics for most conversations.
Greetings and Getting to Know Someone
Essential Identity Questions
| Spanish | English | Formality |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Cómo te llamas? | What's your name? | Informal |
| ¿Cómo se llama? | What's your name? | Formal |
| ¿De dónde eres? | Where are you from? | Informal |
| ¿De dónde es usted? | Where are you from? | Formal |
| ¿Cuántos años tienes? | How old are you? | Informal |
| ¿Qué tal? | How's it going? | Informal |
Common Responses
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Me llamo + [name] | My name is... |
| Soy de + [place] | I'm from... |
| Tengo + [number] + años | I'm [number] years old |
| Rule | Example |
|---|---|
| Use "te" for informal, "se" with "usted" for formal | ¿Cómo te llamas? / ¿Cómo se llama? |
| Use "de" before the place | ¿De dónde eres? |
Cognitive Retention Steps
- Listen to the full phrase
- Try to say it without looking
- Use it in real or practice conversations
Questions About Place, Time, and Directions
Location and Navigation
| Spanish | English | Use |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Dónde está...? | Where is...? | Specific location |
| ¿Dónde vives? | Where do you live? | Residence |
| ¿Cómo llego a...? | How do I get to...? | Directions |
| ¿Está lejos? | Is it far? | Checking distance |
| ¿A qué distancia está? | How far is it? | Measurement |
Time-Related Questions
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| ¿Qué hora es? | What time is it? |
| ¿Cuándo? | When? |
| ¿A qué hora...? | At what time...? |
| ¿Qué día es hoy? | What day is today? |
Standard Responses
| Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
| Está + [direction/location] | Está a la derecha. |
| Vivo en + [place] | Vivo en Madrid. |
| Son las + [time] | Son las tres. |
Rule: ¿Dónde? must have an accent to be a question.
Example: ¿Dónde está? vs. donde (that/where).
Personal Information and Social Interaction
Daily Activity Questions
| Spanish | English | Use |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Qué haces? | What are you doing? | Present action |
| ¿A qué te dedicas? | What do you do? | Profession |
| ¿Dónde trabajas? | Where do you work? | Job |
| ¿Te gusta...? | Do you like...? | Preferences |
| ¿Tienes...? | Do you have...? | Possession |
Family and Relationships
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| ¿Tienes hermanos? | Do you have siblings? |
| ¿Cómo se llama tu...? | What's your [family member]'s name? |
| ¿Estás casado/a? | Are you married? |
Rule: Use "¿cómo?" for manner, state, or name.
Example: ¿Cómo te llamas?
Memory Practice Steps
- Match question to a picture or situation
- Say the question in context
- Listen and answer as a native speaker would
Everyday Needs and Simple Requests
Shopping and Services
| Spanish | English | For... |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much does it cost? | Shopping |
| ¿Tiene...? | Do you have...? | Checking availability |
| ¿Puedo...? | Can I...? | Asking permission |
| ¿Me puede ayudar? | Can you help me? | Requesting help |
| ¿Aceptan tarjetas? | Do you accept cards? | Payment |
Clarification Requests
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| ¿Qué has dicho? | What did you say? |
| ¿Puedes repetir? | Can you repeat? |
| ¿Puedes hablar más despacio? | Can you speak more slowly? |
| ¿Cómo se dice...? | How do you say...? |
Restaurant and Food
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| ¿Qué recomiendas? | What do you recommend? |
| ¿Tiene menú en inglés? | Do you have a menu in English? |
| ¿Cuál es el plato del día? | What's the daily special? |
Rule: Use "¿cuánto?" for price or amount.
Example: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
Rule: Use "¿puede...?" for polite requests.
Example: ¿Me puede ayudar?
Retrieval Practice Steps
- Listen to the phrase
- Read the phrase after hearing it
- Try to say it with fewer hints
- Use it in a practice scenario
Frequently Asked Questions
| Situation | Needed Question Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Greetings | Identity/Politeness | ¿Cómo te llamas? |
| Directions | Location/Navigation | ¿Dónde está...? |
| Food ordering | Service/Preference | ¿Qué recomienda? |
| Checking on others | Well-being | ¿Cómo estás? |
| Daily conversation | Activity/Plans | ¿Qué haces? |
| Polite requests | Help/Permission | ¿Me puede ayudar? |
What are the common greetings and introductions in Spanish?
| English | Spanish (Informal) | Spanish (Formal) |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | Hola |
| Good morning | Buenos días | Buenos días |
| Good afternoon | Buenas tardes | Buenas tardes |
| Good evening/night | Buenas noches | Buenas noches |
| What's your name? | ¿Cómo te llamas? | ¿Cómo se llama? |
| My name is... | Me llamo... | Me llamo... |
| Nice to meet you | Mucho gusto / Encantado(a) | Mucho gusto / Encantado(a) |
| Where are you from? | ¿De dónde eres? | ¿De dónde es? |
| I'm from... | Soy de... | Soy de... |
Quick response patterns:
- After "¿Cómo te llamas?" → "Me llamo [name]. ¿Y tú?"
- After "Mucho gusto" → "Igualmente"
- After "¿De dónde eres?" → "Soy de [place]. ¿Y tú?"
Rule → Example:
- Use "tú" for friends or people your age. Example: ¿Cómo te llamas?
- Use "usted" for strangers or elders. Example: ¿Cómo se llama?
How can one ask for directions in Spanish?
Essential direction questions:
- ¿Dónde está...? (Where is...?)
- ¿Cómo llego a...? (How do I get to...?)
- ¿Está cerca de aquí? (Is it close to here?)
- ¿Está lejos? (Is it far?)
- ¿Puede mostrarme en el mapa? (Can you show me on the map?)
- ¿Hay un/una... cerca? (Is there a... nearby?)
Location phrases:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| a la derecha | to the right |
| a la izquierda | to the left |
| todo recto / derecho | straight ahead |
| en la esquina | at the corner |
| al lado de | next to |
| enfrente de | in front of |
| detrás de | behind |
| entre | between |
Sample Q&A:
Q: ¿Dónde está la estación de tren?
A: Siga todo recto y gire a la izquierda.
Q: ¿Cómo llego al museo?
A: Está a dos cuadras de aquí, a la derecha.
What phrases should be used when ordering food in a Spanish-speaking restaurant?
| Stage | Spanish Phrase | English |
|---|---|---|
| Requesting table | ¿Tienen una mesa disponible? | Do you have a table available? |
| Asking for menu | ¿Me puede traer la carta, por favor? | Can you bring me the menu, please? |
| Asking recommendations | ¿Qué platos recomienda? | What dishes do you recommend? |
| Ordering food | Quisiera... / Me gustaría... | I would like... |
| Asking about ingredients | ¿Qué lleva este plato? | What does this dish have? |
| Requesting water | ¿Me trae agua, por favor? | Can you bring me water, please? |
| Asking for the check | ¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor? | Can you bring me the check, please? |
Dietary restrictions:
- Soy vegetariano(a) - I'm vegetarian
- Soy vegano(a) - I'm vegan
- Soy alérgico(a) a... - I'm allergic to...
- Sin gluten - Gluten-free
- Sin lácteos - Dairy-free
Waiter questions:
- ¿Qué desea tomar? (What would you like to drink?)
- ¿Listos para ordenar? (Ready to order?)
- ¿Algo más? (Anything else?)
Rule → Example:
- To order politely, start with "Quisiera..." Example: Quisiera una ensalada, por favor.
- For allergies, say "Soy alérgico(a) a..." Example: Soy alérgico a los frutos secos.
Common restaurant questions appear in both asking and answering - recognize both forms to respond smoothly.