“¿Qué es esto?” is the Spanish translation for “What is this?”. It’s a simple question that can be used in a variety of situations, from asking about an unfamiliar object to requesting clarification about a specific item. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to say “What is this?” in Spanish, ensuring that you can confidently communicate in any situation.
The most common way to say “What is this?” in Spanish is “¿Qué es esto?”. It is a direct translation and can be used in most situations. However, there are some regional variations that you may encounter. For example, in some parts of Spain, you may hear “¿Qué es eso?” instead of “¿Qué es esto?”.
Another way to ask “What is this?” in Spanish is “¿Cómo se llama esto?”. This translates to “What is this called?” and is often used when you are asking about the name of an object. For example, you could say “¿Cómo se llama esto?” if you see a strange animal and want to know its name.
Formal vs. Informal Spanish
When asking “What is this?” in Spanish, it is important to consider the formality of the situation. If you are speaking to someone you do not know well or in a formal setting, it is best to use the formal form “¿Qué es esto?”. However, if you are speaking to a friend or family member, you can use the informal form “¿Qué es eso?”.
Formal Examples:
¿Qué es esto? – What is this? (formal)
¿Cómo se llama esto? – What is this called? (formal)
Informal Examples:
¿Qué es eso? – What is this? (informal)
¿Cómo se llama eso? – What is this called? (informal)
Phrases to Accompany “¿Qué es esto?”
In addition to “¿Qué es esto?”, there are a few other phrases that you can use to ask “What is this?” in Spanish. These phrases can be helpful in specific situations.
¿Para qué sirve esto? – What is this used for?
This phrase is useful when you want to know the purpose of an object. For example, you could say “¿Para qué sirve esto?” if you see a strange tool and want to know what it is used for.
¿De qué está hecho esto? – What is this made of?
This phrase is useful when you want to know the material that an object is made of. For example, you could say “¿De qué está hecho esto?” if you see a strange fabric and want to know what it is made of.
¿A quién pertenece esto? – Who does this belong to?
This phrase is useful when you want to know who owns an object. For example, you could say “¿A quién pertenece esto?” if you see a lost item and want to return it to its owner.
FAQ
Q: What is the most common way to say “What is this?” in Spanish?
A: The most common way to say “What is this?” in Spanish is “¿Qué es esto?”.
Q: Is it okay to use the informal form “¿Qué es eso?” in all situations?
A: No, it is not always appropriate to use the informal form “¿Qué es eso?”. It is best to use the formal form “¿Qué es esto?” when speaking to someone you do not know well or in a formal setting.
Q: What are some other phrases I can use to ask “What is this?” in Spanish?
A: In addition to “¿Qué es esto?”, you can also use the following phrases: ¿Para qué sirve esto? (What is this used for?), ¿De qué está hecho esto? (What is this made of?), and ¿A quién pertenece esto? (Who does this belong to?).
Q: How do I pronounce “¿Qué es esto?”?
A: The pronunciation of “¿Qué es esto?” is “kay es eh-stoh”.
Q: Can I use Google Translate to translate “What is this?” into Spanish?
A: Yes, you can use Google Translate to translate “What is this?” into Spanish. However, it is important to note that Google Translate is not always accurate. It is best to use a reliable Spanish dictionary or phrasebook to ensure that your translation is correct.
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “What is this?” in Spanish is an essential phrase for effective communication. By using the correct phrase and considering the formality of the situation, you can confidently ask about unfamiliar objects or request clarification in any Spanish-speaking context.