“Que” is the Spanish word for “what.” It’s a tiny, three-letter question word that pops up all the time when Spanish speakers ask for information or clarification.
In everyday life, you’ll hear friends ask, “¿Qué pasó?” when they want to know what just happened, or see a text like “¿Qué haces?” when someone is curious what you’re doing right now. It’s as common as English speakers saying “What?” when they don’t catch something.
Meaning & Usage Examples
• ¿Qué hora es? — What time is it?
• ¿Qué quieres comer? — What do you want to eat?
• No entiendo qué dices — I don’t understand what you’re saying.
Context / Common Use
“Que” shows up in questions, exclamations, and even casual reactions. If someone tells shocking news, a quick “¿Qué?!” is the Spanish version of “What?!” It also slips into phrases like “¿Qué tal?” (How’s it going?) and “¿Qué onda?” (What’s up?), making it one of the most versatile words in Spanish chat.
Is “que” always spelled with an accent?
Yes, when it means “what” in a direct question or exclamation—¿qué? If it’s just linking parts of a sentence, it drops the accent and becomes que.
Can I use “que” in English sentences?
You might sprinkle it into Spanglish like “Guess qué?” but stick to “what” in normal English writing.
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