Spanish - Basic Questions

¿Qué es ___?

What is ___?

Meaning: What is ___?

When to use: Ask for the identity or nature of a thing, person, or idea.

¿Cuándo es ___?

When is ___?

Meaning: When is ___?

When to use: Ask about the day or date of events, appointments, or deadlines.

¿A qué hora es ___?

What time is ___?

Meaning: What time is ___?

When to use: Ask for the clock time of an event or appointment.

Tip: Beginners sometimes say “¿Qué hora es…?” which asks the current time, not the event time.

¿Puedes ___?

Can you ___?

Meaning: Can you ___?

When to use: Ask someone (informally) to do a simple task or favor.

Tip: Remember this is the informal tú form. For a formal request use “¿Puede ___?”

¿Cómo se dice ___?

How do you say ___?

Meaning: How do you say ___?

When to use: Ask how to express a word or phrase in Spanish.

Tip: Don't confuse with “¿Qué significa ___?” which asks for the meaning rather than how to say it.