Ever pointed at something mysterious abroad and wished you knew how to ask what it was in the local language? It's a universal experience, a moment where curiosity meets a linguistic wall. Being able to ask "What is that?" in Spanish unlocks a gateway to discovery, allowing you to navigate new environments with confidence and engage with native speakers on a deeper level. This seemingly simple question opens doors to learning new vocabulary, understanding local customs, and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the Spanish-speaking world.
Knowing how to ask "What is that?" is more than just a practical phrase; it's a tool for cultural exploration. It empowers you to learn the names of unfamiliar objects, inquire about traditions, and connect with people on a basic yet meaningful level. Whether you're traveling through Spain, exploring Latin America, or simply trying to expand your linguistic horizons, mastering this fundamental question will significantly enhance your ability to interact with and understand the world around you. This goes beyond simple translation and allows for a dynamic learning experience.
What are the different ways to ask "What is that?" in Spanish, and when should I use each one?
What's the most common way to say "what is that" in Spanish?
The most common way to say "what is that" in Spanish is "¿Qué es eso?". This phrase is widely understood and used in virtually all Spanish-speaking regions and contexts.
While "¿Qué es eso?" is the most ubiquitous option, the precise wording can vary slightly depending on the speaker's intention and the distance to the object in question. If the object is closer to the speaker, one might use "¿Qué es esto?", which translates to "What is this?". If the speaker wants to emphasize the distance of the object, they might use "¿Qué es aquello?", which means "What is that over there?". However, "¿Qué es eso?" remains the default and safest option for general use. Finally, it is worth mentioning that in informal settings, the "es" might be dropped, especially in rapid speech. This would result in just "¿Qué eso?", but this is less grammatically correct and only appropriate in very casual conversation. "¿Qué es eso?" is always a safe and accurate choice.How do "qué es eso" and "qué es aquello" differ?
Both "qué es eso" and "qué es aquello" translate to "what is that" in English, but they differ subtly in the perceived distance of the object being referred to. "Qué es eso" implies the object is closer to the speaker, while "qué es aquello" suggests the object is further away.
The difference lies in the demonstrative pronouns "eso" and "aquello." "Eso" refers to something that is at an intermediate distance from the speaker. You'd use it when the object is neither very close (like "esto," meaning "this") nor very far away. Think of it as being within reasonable reaching distance, or perhaps just a bit further. In contrast, "aquello" refers to something that is quite distant from the speaker. It indicates something that is far enough away to be considered "over there," out of easy reach, or in the distance.
Consider this analogy: imagine you are pointing at something. If you can almost touch it, you might say "qué es esto?" If it's across the room, you'd likely ask "qué es eso?" But if it's across a field, or far down the street, "qué es aquello?" would be the appropriate question. Using the correct demonstrative pronoun makes your Spanish more natural and precise.
Can I shorten "what is that" in spoken Spanish?
Yes, "what is that" (¿Qué es eso?) can absolutely be shortened in spoken Spanish, and native speakers frequently do. The most common shortened version is "¿Qué es?" dropping the "eso" when the context makes it clear you're pointing to something specific or readily apparent.
When the object you're referring to is visually present or obvious from the conversation, omitting "eso" is perfectly natural and sounds more conversational. Think of it like in English – you might say "What's that?" but often just "What's that?" while gesturing. The same principle applies. However, if the referent isn't clear or you want to specifically emphasize "that," then using the full "¿Qué es eso?" is more appropriate. Another way to shorten it, though slightly less common and potentially more informal depending on the region, is to simply say "¿Qué?" with a questioning intonation and a gesture. This works best in very casual settings where you're looking directly at the object and there's no ambiguity. The meaning becomes implicitly "What's that *thing I'm looking at*?" Be aware that simply saying "¿Qué?" can also mean "What?" as in, you didn't hear or understand something, so context and intonation are key.How does gender affect "what is that" in Spanish?
Gender in Spanish significantly affects the translation of "what is that" because Spanish nouns have grammatical gender (masculine or feminine), and the demonstrative pronoun ("that") must agree in gender and number with the noun it refers to. Therefore, instead of a single translation, there are several, depending on whether "that" refers to a masculine or feminine object. The most common translations are "¿Qué es eso?" which is gender-neutral and used when the gender of the object is unknown or unimportant, "¿Qué es ese?" (masculine) and "¿Qué es esa?" (feminine).
The choice between "eso," "ese," and "esa" is crucial. "Eso" is a neuter demonstrative pronoun. Neuter pronouns exist separate from masculine or feminine grammatical constructions. It's often used when the speaker doesn't know what something is or when referring to an abstract concept or a general situation, not a specific object. The phrase "¿Qué es eso?" is versatile and frequently the default option for learners. However, if the speaker has some idea or can infer the gender of the object being referred to, using "ese" (masculine singular) or "esa" (feminine singular) becomes more appropriate and natural. For instance, if you're pointing at a car (un coche, masculine), you would ask "¿Qué es ese?" If you are pointing at a house (una casa, feminine), you would ask "¿Qué es esa?". The gender of the object determines which form of "that" to use. The number also matters, for plural objects, you’d use “esos” for masculine and “esas” for feminine. Here is an example table:| Scenario | Spanish Translation |
|---|---|
| Pointing at a masculine object (unknown), e.g., a tool | ¿Qué es ese? |
| Pointing at a feminine object (unknown), e.g., a flower | ¿Qué es esa? |
| Referring to something unknown or abstract | ¿Qué es eso? |
What's the difference between "qué es esto" and "qué es eso?"
The difference between "qué es esto" and "qué es eso" lies in the proximity of the object being questioned. "Qué es esto" translates to "What is this?" and refers to something that is close to the speaker, within reach or immediate vicinity. "Qué es eso" translates to "What is that?" and refers to something further away from the speaker, not within easy reach.
"Esto" and "eso" are both demonstrative pronouns, but they indicate different degrees of nearness. "Esto" (this) implies closeness, physically or conceptually. Imagine holding an object in your hand; you would naturally ask "Qué es esto?". On the other hand, "eso" (that) suggests a greater distance. If you see something across the room or down the street, "Qué es eso?" would be the appropriate question. The choice between "esto" and "eso" is crucial for clear communication. Using "esto" when pointing to something far away would be confusing. Similarly, using "eso" while holding an object might sound odd, implying a detachment from or unfamiliarity with the item. Using them correctly ensures the listener understands what you are referring to.What regional variations exist for "what is that" in Spanish?
The most common way to say "what is that" in Spanish is "¿Qué es eso?", but regional variations exist, primarily concerning the specific demonstrative pronoun used ("eso," "esto," "aquello") and the phrasing (e.g., omitting "es"). While "¿Qué es eso?" is widely understood, other options offer nuanced differences and reflect regional preferences.
The variations often hinge on the distance between the speaker and the object. "Eso" generally refers to something moderately distant. "Esto" indicates something closer to the speaker (making "¿Qué es esto?" akin to "what is this?"), and "aquello" designates something farther away ("¿Qué es aquello?" being similar to "what is that over there?"). The choice is usually driven by context and speaker intention. Furthermore, some dialects, particularly in Latin America, may drop the "es" in informal speech, leading to phrases like "¿Qué eso?" or "¿Qué aquello?" which are perfectly acceptable in those regions but might sound incomplete to speakers from other areas.
It's important to note that the formality level also plays a role. While all the variations are generally considered acceptable in informal settings, "¿Qué es eso/esto/aquello?" is the more grammatically correct and universally understood option for formal situations. When traveling or interacting with Spanish speakers from different regions, being aware of these variations will aid comprehension and prevent miscommunication. Furthermore, listening to native speakers and observing the contexts in which they use these phrases will provide valuable insights into the subtle nuances of each variation.
So there you have it! Hopefully, you now feel confident enough to ask "what is that" in Spanish and understand the response. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope you'll come back soon to learn more Spanish with us!