duda
“duda” means “doubt” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
doubt, question
Also: uncertainty, hesitation
📝 In Action
Tengo una duda sobre cómo funciona esto.
A2I have a question about how this works.
No me cabe la menor duda de que tienes razón.
B1I don't have the slightest doubt that you're right.
Sin duda, este es el mejor restaurante de la ciudad.
B1Without a doubt, this is the best restaurant in the city.
Sus palabras sembraron la duda en el equipo.
B2His words sowed doubt among the team.
he/she/you (formal) doubts
Also: doubt / hesitate
📝 In Action
Él duda que lleguemos a tiempo.
B1He doubts that we will arrive on time.
Mi madre duda de mis habilidades en la cocina.
B1My mother doubts my skills in the kitchen.
Si no estás seguro, duda. Es mejor que equivocarse.
B2If you're not sure, doubt. It's better than making a mistake.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: duda
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence is correct for saying 'I have a question' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'dubitāre', which meant 'to hesitate' or 'to waver between two options'. The 'bi' part is related to the number two, painting a picture of someone stuck between two choices.
First recorded: Around the 12th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'duda' and 'pregunta'?
Think of it this way: a 'duda' is the feeling of confusion or uncertainty in your mind. A 'pregunta' is the sentence you say out loud to fix that confusion. You have a 'duda' about a topic, so you ask a 'pregunta' to the teacher.
When do I use 'dudar de' versus just 'dudar'?
You use 'dudar de' when you are doubting a specific person or thing. For example, 'Dudo de su historia' (I doubt his story). You use 'dudar' by itself (or with 'que') when you are doubting a situation or action, like 'Dudo que llueva' (I doubt it will rain).