Question Words

Spanish: Las Palabras Interrogativas

Level: A1 Beginner

Category: questions

Explanation

Question words (interrogatives) are used to ask questions and request specific information. In Spanish, the most important ones are: qué (what), quién (who), cómo (how), dónde (where), cuándo (when), and por qué (why). They all carry a written accent (tilde) when used in questions, which distinguishes them from similar words without one. These words normally go at the beginning of the question. Remember that in Spanish, questions begin with an inverted question mark (¿) and end with a normal one (?). For example: ¿Dónde está el café? (Where is the café?) or ¿Quién eres? (Who are you?) Some question words change according to number. "Quién" becomes "quiénes" when asking about several people, and "cuál" becomes "cuáles". We also use "qué" before a noun (¿Qué hora es? = What time is it?) and "cuál" to choose between options (¿Cuál prefieres? = Which one do you prefer?). Mastering these words is essential for communicating in Spanish, because they let you ask for directions, inquire about prices, meet people, and handle everyday situations around the city.

Examples

• ¿Qué quieres tomar? - What do you want to drink?
• ¿Quién es el camarero? - Who is the waiter?
• ¿Cómo te llamas? - What is your name? (How do you call yourself?)
• ¿Dónde está la llave de mi habitación? - Where is my room key?
• ¿Cuándo abre el mercado? - When does the market open?