how to say what's that in spanish

Malaps

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16-04-2025

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How to Say "What's That?" in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Meta Description: Learn multiple ways to say "What's that?" in Spanish, from formal to informal, and master the nuances of each phrase. This guide covers various contexts and provides examples for clear understanding. Improve your Spanish fluency today! (162 characters)

Title Tag: How to Say "What's That?" in Spanish | Comprehensive Guide

H1: How to Say "What's That?" in Spanish

The simple question, "What's that?" has many translations in Spanish, depending on the context and your level of formality. This guide will explore several options, ensuring you're equipped to handle any situation.

H2: Informal Options for "What's That?"

For casual conversations with friends and family, these phrases are perfect:

• ¿Qué es eso? (Kay ess eh-soh?) This is the most common and straightforward way to ask "What's that?". It's versatile and works well in most informal settings. Use this when pointing at something nearby.

• ¿Qué es esto? (Kay ess ehs-toh?) This is very similar to "¿Qué es eso?", but "esto" refers to something closer to you, almost like "What's this?". The difference is subtle, but understanding the nuance will improve your Spanish.

• ¿Qué? (Kay?) This is an extremely informal option, essentially a shortened version of "¿Qué es eso?". It's suitable only for close friends or family in very casual settings.

H2: Formal Options for "What's That?"

When addressing strangers, superiors, or in more formal situations, opt for these more polite options:

• ¿Qué es aquello? (Kay ess ah-KAY-yo?) This translates to "What is that over there?" and is used when referring to something further away.

• ¿Podría decirme qué es eso? (poh-dree-ah deh-seehr-may kay ess eh-soh?) This is a much more polite and formal way of asking. It translates to "Could you tell me what that is?".

H2: Adding Specificity: Asking about the nature of something

Sometimes, "What's that?" isn't enough. You might need to specify what kind of information you're looking for. Here are some examples:

• ¿Qué clase de...? (Kay KLAH-say day...? ) - "What kind of...?" (e.g., "¿Qué clase de animal es ese?" - What kind of animal is that?)

• ¿De qué se trata? (Day kay say TRAH-tah?) - "What is it about?" This is useful when asking about an event or a situation.

• ¿Qué es eso que...? (Kay ess eh-soh kay...?) - "What is that which...?" This allows you to add a descriptive clause. (e.g., "¿Qué es eso que está haciendo?" - What is that which you are doing?)

H2: Contextual Examples

Let's look at some examples in different contexts:

• Scenario: You see a strange insect.

  • Informal: "¿Qué es eso?"
  • Formal: "¿Podría decirme qué es eso?"

• Scenario: You hear a strange noise.

  • Informal: "¿Qué es eso?" (pointing generally)
  • Formal: "¿Sabe usted qué es ese ruido?" (Sah-bay oo-sted kay ess eh-say roo-EE-doh?) - Do you know what that noise is?

H3: Remember the Accents!

Accents are crucial in Spanish. Incorrect accents can change the meaning of a word. Make sure you use them correctly when using these phrases!

H2: Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to learn is to practice! Try using these phrases in conversations, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. The more you practice, the more confident you'll become.

Conclusion: Learning how to ask "What's that?" in Spanish opens doors to a more engaging and authentic experience. Remember to choose the appropriate phrase based on the context and your relationship with the person you're speaking to. Mastering these variations will significantly enhance your Spanish communication skills. Now go forth and ask away! Remember to use "¿Qué es eso?" or a similar phrase in your daily interactions to build fluency and confidence.