Interrogatives

Interrogatives are words that introduce questions. They help you gather information, express curiosity, and clarify doubts.

In Spanish, interrogatives can be:

• Pronouns: They replace a noun or noun phrase in a question.

• Adjectives: They modify a noun in a question.

• Adverbs: They modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb in a question.

Here are some frequently used interrogative words in Spanish:

This is a common question among Spanish students. When we use these interrogatives before a noun, the distinction can be confusing.

• ¿Qué + noun? - Generally asks about the type or kind of something. It's more open-ended.

• ¿Cuál + noun? - Implies a choice or selection from a defined group. It's more specific.

To form questions in Spanish, you can:

Invert the subject-verb order:

• "Ella es doctora." (She is a doctor.) -> "¿Es ella doctora?" (Is she a doctor?)

Use an interrogative word:

• "¿Qué comes?" (What are you eating?)

Use intonation:

• "Hablas español." (You speak Spanish.) -> "¿Hablas español?" (You speak Spanish?) - with rising intonation

Subject pronouns (yo, tú, él, ella, etc.) are often omitted in questions, but can be included for emphasis or clarity.

• Example: "¿Vas tú al cine?" (Are you going to the cinema?) vs. "¿Vas al cine?" (Are you going to the cinema?)

Tag questions are used to seek confirmation using ¿verdad? or ¿no?

• Example: "Hablas español, ¿verdad?" (You speak Spanish, right?)

Spanish interrogatives form the foundation of asking questions and seeking information in conversation.

From basic questions about identity (¿quién?) to complex inquiries about reasons (¿por qué?), these words are fundamental tools for Spanish language learners. Regular practice with these question words will help you develop natural and effective communication skills.