Using 'Cómo es' Instead of 'Cómo se dice'
Mistake: “¿Cómo es esto?”
Correction: ¿Cómo se dice esto?
How to say
How do you say this in Spanish?
in Spanish¿Cómo se dice esto en español?
KOH-moh seh DEE-seh EHS-toh ehn ehs-pah-NYOHL
This is the essential, universally understood phrase for asking how to say something in Spanish. It's your go-to tool for learning new vocabulary in any situation.
Don't be shy! Pointing at an object while asking '¿Cómo se dice esto?' is a perfect way to learn new words on the go.
🎬Watch & Learn
How do you say this in Spanish? — in Spanish
💬Other Ways to Say It
¿Cómo se dice [palabra] en español?
★★★★★
KOH-moh seh DEE-seh [word] ehn ehs-pah-NYOHL
neutral🌍
This is a template version of the main phrase. You simply replace '[palabra]' (word) with the English word you want to translate.
When to use: Use this when you know the English word but need the Spanish equivalent. For example, '¿Cómo se dice 'train' en español?'
¿Qué significa esto?
★★★★★
keh seeg-nee-FEE-kah EHS-toh
neutral🌍
This phrase means 'What does this mean?'. It's used when you see or hear a Spanish word and want to know its English translation or definition.
When to use: Perfect for when you encounter an unknown word on a sign, in a book, or in conversation and need a clarification.
¿Cómo se llama esto?
★★★★★
KOH-moh seh YAH-mah EHS-toh
neutral🌍
Meaning 'What is this called?', this is the best phrase to use when you are pointing at a physical object and want to know its name.
When to use: In a market pointing at a fruit, in a store pointing at an item of clothing, or anytime you want to name a tangible thing.
¿Cómo dirías esto?
★★★☆☆
KOH-moh dee-REE-ahs EHS-toh
informal🌍
This means 'How would you say this?'. It's a more personal and informal way to ask, as if you're asking for someone's specific opinion or regional way of speaking.
When to use: Great for conversations with friends or language exchange partners when you want a more natural or colloquial translation.
¿Cómo se dice esto en castellano?
★★★★☆
KOH-moh seh DEE-seh EHS-toh ehn kahs-teh-YAH-noh
neutral🇪🇸 🇦🇷 🌍
This is a regional variation where 'castellano' (Castilian) is used instead of 'español'. In Spain and parts of South America, 'castellano' is the preferred term for the language.
When to use: Use this to sound more like a local when you're in Spain, Argentina, or other regions where 'castellano' is common.
¿Me puedes decir cómo se dice esto?
★★★☆☆
meh PWEH-dehs deh-SEER KOH-moh seh DEE-seh EHS-toh
neutral🌍
A slightly more polite and complete sentence, this means 'Can you tell me how to say this?'. It softens the question a bit.
When to use: When you want to be a little more formal or polite, for instance when interrupting someone or asking a stranger for help.
🔑Key Words
📊Quick Comparison
These three phrases are similar but used in distinct situations. Here's a quick guide to choosing the right one.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¿Cómo se dice esto? | Neutral | Asking for a translation of a word or concept, either from English to Spanish or vice-versa. | You're pointing directly at an object; 'cómo se llama' is better. |
| ¿Qué significa esto? | Neutral | Asking for the meaning or definition of a Spanish word you just heard or read. | You want to know the name of an object, not its abstract meaning. |
| ¿Cómo se llama esto? | Neutral | Pointing at a physical object and asking for its specific name. | Asking about a concept, an idea, or an English word. |
📈Difficulty Level
Overall Difficulty:beginnerMaster in a few hours
Pronunciation2/5
Mostly easy for English speakers. The 'ñ' in 'español' is the only new sound, pronounced like the 'ny' in 'canyon'.
Grammar2/5
The 'se dice' structure is a fixed chunk, so you can memorize it easily. Understanding the grammar behind the impersonal 'se' comes later, but you don't need it to use the phrase.
Cultural Nuance1/5
This is a very straightforward and universally safe phrase to use. There are no complex cultural rules attached to it.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering to include the word 'se'
- Pronouncing 'español' with the 'ñ' sound
💡Examples in Action
At a local food marketA1
Disculpe, señor. ¿Cómo se dice esto en español? (señalando un aguacate)
Excuse me, sir. How do you say this in Spanish? (pointing to an avocado)
In a Spanish language classA2
Maestra, no entiendo esta palabra. ¿Qué significa 'subrayar'?
Teacher, I don't understand this word. What does 'subrayar' mean?
Casual conversation with a friend about an objectB1
¡Qué bonita es esa herramienta! ¿Cómo se llama esto en tu país?
That tool is so cool! What is this called in your country?
Asking for help at a train station in Madrid, SpainA2
Perdona, ¿me puedes decir cómo se dice 'commuter train' en castellano?
Excuse me, can you tell me how to say 'commuter train' in Spanish?
🌍Cultural Context
No Fear in Asking
Don't ever hesitate to ask this question! Native Spanish speakers are almost always incredibly friendly, patient, and happy to help a learner. Seeing you try to learn their language is often seen as a sign of respect, and they'll gladly teach you a new word.
Español vs. Castellano
While 'español' is understood everywhere, the word 'castellano' (Castilian) is very common in Spain and some South American countries like Argentina. It originally referred to the dialect of the Castile region, which became the standard language. Using 'castellano' in Spain can make you sound a bit more in-the-know.
The Gesture is Key
This phrase is often accompanied by a gesture, like pointing to an object or a word on a menu. This is perfectly normal and not considered rude in this context. Combining the phrase with a clear gesture is the fastest way to learn new vocabulary about the world around you.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'se'
Mistake: “¿Cómo dice esto?”
Correction: ¿Cómo se dice esto?
Mixing up 'Decir' and 'Hablar'
Mistake: “¿Cómo se habla esto?”
Correction: ¿Cómo se dice esto?
💡Pro Tips
Point and Ask
This is one of the most powerful learning tools you have. Go to a market or a store, point at anything you don't know, and ask '¿Cómo se llama esto?'. You'll build your vocabulary about everyday objects incredibly fast.
Master the Follow-Up
After they tell you the word, be ready with a follow-up question like '¿Cómo se escribe?' (How do you spell it?) or '¿Puedes repetirlo, por favor?' (Can you repeat it, please?). This turns one question into a mini-conversation.
Use a Placeholder Word
If you don't know the English word either, you can describe it! For example, '¿Cómo se dice... la cosa para abrir puertas?' (How do you say... the thing for opening doors?). They'll tell you: 'llave' (key).
🗺️Regional Variations
🇪🇸
Spain
Preferred:¿Cómo se dice esto en castellano?
Pronunciation:The 'c' before 'i' and 'e' (like in 'dice') and the 'z' are pronounced with a 'th' sound, like 'think'. So, 'dee-thay'.
Alternatives:
¿Qué es esto?¿Cómo se le llama a esto?
The use of 'castellano' is very common. The 'vosotros' form might be used in a follow-up question from a local, e.g., '¿Cómo lo diríais vosotros en inglés?' (How would you all say it in English?).
🇲🇽
Mexico
Preferred:¿Cómo se dice esto en español?
Pronunciation:Pronunciation is very clear. The 'c' in 'dice' is a soft 's' sound. Vowels are pure and short.
Alternatives:
¿Cómo se le dice a esto?¿Qué nombre tiene esto?
This is the standard, textbook phrase and is used widely without much variation. Mexicans are generally very encouraging to learners asking for help with vocabulary.
🌍
Argentina / Uruguay
Preferred:¿Cómo se dice esto en castellano?
Pronunciation:The 'll' in 'llama' is pronounced with a 'sh' sound, as in 'shoe' ('SHAH-mah'). The intonation has a distinct, melodic, almost Italian-like rhythm.
Alternatives:
¿Cómo le decís a esto?¿Che, qué es esto?
The use of 'vos' instead of 'tú' is standard, so a personal question would be '¿Cómo le decís vos?' instead of '¿Cómo le dices tú?'. 'Castellano' is more common than 'español'.
💬What Comes Next?
After they tell you the word.
They say:
Se dice 'manzana'.
It's said 'manzana' (apple).
→
You respond:
Gracias. ¿Cómo se escribe?
Thanks. How is it written/spelled?
You didn't hear them clearly.
They say:
Es una 'horchata'.
It's a 'horchata'.
→
You respond:
Perdón, ¿puedes repetirlo más despacio, por favor?
Sorry, can you repeat it more slowly, please?
You want to confirm your understanding.
They say:
Eso es un 'semáforo'.
That is a 'semáforo' (traffic light).
→
You respond:
Ah, ¿'semáforo'? Entendido, gracias.
Ah, 'semáforo'? Understood, thank you.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference is the structure. In English, we say 'How do *you* say...', making it an active question. The standard Spanish phrase '¿Cómo *se dice*...?' is impersonal, translating more literally to 'How is it said?' or 'How does one say?'. This passive-like structure is very common in Spanish for general statements and questions.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
"How is this?"
Why it''s different: Translating this literally to '¿Cómo es esto?' is a common mistake. This Spanish question asks for a description ('What is it like?'), not for its name. You might get an answer like 'Es grande y rojo' (It's big and red) instead of the word you want.
Use instead: To ask for the name, use '¿Cómo se dice esto?' or '¿Cómo se llama esto?'. To ask for a description, '¿Cómo es esto?' is correct.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How do you spell it?
The natural next question after you learn a new word.
Can you repeat that, please?
Essential for when you don't catch the word the first time.
What does that mean?
This is the reverse of the main phrase and equally important for understanding.
I don't understand
A fundamental phrase for any beginner to manage conversations.
Thank you for your help
A polite way to end the interaction after someone has taught you a new word.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz: How do you say this in Spanish?
Question 1 of 3
You are at a market in Mexico and see a vegetable you've never seen before. What is the BEST way to ask the vendor for its name?
Use phrases naturally, not mechanically
Knowing a phrase is one thing — using it at the right moment is another. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see phrases in the contexts where they actually belong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between '¿Cómo se dice?' and '¿Cómo se llama?'
Think of it this way: '¿Cómo se llama?' is for asking the *name* of a specific, tangible thing you can see or point to (a dog, a building, a tool). '¿Cómo se dice?' is for asking how to *translate* a concept or an English word into Spanish (like 'How do you say 'love'?' or 'How do you say 'to be homesick'?).
Is it rude to point at things when I ask this question?
Not at all in this context! Pointing at an item on a menu, a product in a store, or a landmark on the street while asking '¿Cómo se dice/llama esto?' is completely normal and expected. It's the clearest way to ask your question.
Why do some people say 'castellano' instead of 'español'?
In Spain, there are several official languages (like Catalan, Basque, and Galician). Using 'castellano' (Castilian) is a precise way to refer to the language that originated in the Castile region, distinguishing it from the other languages of Spain. In parts of South America, it's also the traditional name for the language.
Can I just say '¿Cómo se dice...?' without adding 'en español'?
Yes, absolutely. If you are already speaking Spanish or are in a Spanish-speaking country, the context is clear. You can simply hold up your phone with an English word and ask, '¿Cómo se dice esto?'. The 'en español' is good for clarity, especially for absolute beginners.
What does the 'se' in 'se dice' actually mean?
This is called the 'impersonal se'. Instead of assigning the action to a person (like 'you' or 'they'), it makes the verb general. A very literal translation is 'How does it say itself?' or 'How is it said?'. You don't need to understand the deep grammar, just remember that 'se dice' is the magic combination for this phrase.
How can I ask 'How do you pronounce this?'
That's a great follow-up question! The best way to ask is '¿Cómo se pronuncia esto?' (KOH-moh seh proh-NOON-see-ah EHS-toh). You can use this right after you learn a new word and want to make sure you're saying it correctly.
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