I have a question
in SpanishTengo una pregunta
/TEN-goh OO-nah preh-GOON-tah/
This is the most common and direct way to say 'I have a question' across the entire Spanish-speaking world.
Raising your hand and saying 'Tengo una pregunta' is the best way to get a teacher's attention.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Tengo una duda
/TEN-goh OO-nah DOO-dah/
Literally 'I have a doubt,' but used exactly like 'I have a question' in classrooms or learning environments.
Quisiera hacer una pregunta
/kee-SYEH-rah ah-SEHR OO-nah preh-GOON-tah/
A more polite and softened way to say 'I would like to ask a question.'
Tengo una inquietud
/TEN-goh OO-nah een-kyeh-TOOD/
Literally means 'I have a concern' or 'I have a curiosity.'
¿Le puedo hacer una consulta?
/leh PWEH-doh ah-SEHR OO-nah kohn-SOOL-tah/
Uses the word 'consulta' which implies a more professional or technical inquiry.
Una preguntita
/OO-nah preh-goon-TEE-tah/
Adding 'ita' to the end makes the question sound small or quick.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Choose the right phrase based on how professional or casual you want to be.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tengo una pregunta | Neutral | Daily life, shops, friends. | Never; it's always safe. |
| Tengo una duda | Neutral/Academic | Learning something new or being confused. | When you want to sound 100% confident. |
| Quisiera hacer una pregunta | Formal | Public speaking or important meetings. | Talking to siblings or close friends. |
📈Difficulty Level
The 'r' in pregunta can be tricky for beginners, but the rest is very phonetic.
Simple subject-verb-object structure that matches English perfectly.
Understanding the 'duda' vs 'pregunta' difference is the only minor hurdle.
Key Challenges:
- Rolling the 'r' in 'pregunta'
- Remembering to use 'hacer' (to make) instead of 'preguntar' (to ask)
💡Examples in Action
Perdone, profesor, tengo una pregunta sobre la tarea.
Excuse me, teacher, I have a question about the homework.
Tengo una duda sobre el horario de apertura.
I have a question about the opening hours.
Quisiera hacer una pregunta si me lo permite.
I would like to ask a question if you'll allow me.
🌍Cultural Context
Questions vs. Doubts
In English, 'I have a doubt' sounds like you don't believe someone. In Spanish, saying 'tengo una duda' is the most natural way to signal you're confused in a classroom or during a tutorial. Don't be afraid to use it!
The Power of the Diminutive
Spanish speakers often use 'preguntita' (little question) to soften a request. It's a cultural way of being polite by suggesting that you aren't going to bother the other person for very long.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Question' as a False Friend
Mistake: "Yo tengo una cuestión."
Correction: Tengo una pregunta.
Incorrect Verb Choice
Mistake: "Quiero preguntar una pregunta."
Correction: Quiero hacer una pregunta.
💡Pro Tips
Get their attention first
Before saying 'Tengo una pregunta,' always start with 'Disculpe' (formal) or 'Oye' (informal) to make sure the person is listening.
Be careful with 'Duda'
While common in school, if you are in a high-stakes business negotiation, stick to 'pregunta.' Using 'duda' might make you sound like you aren't confident in the proposal.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
In Spain, 'duda' is extremely frequent in educational settings, more so than in some parts of Latin America.
Mexico
Mexicans love using diminutives (adding -ita) to sound more polite and less intrusive.
💬What Comes Next?
After you say you have a question
Sí, dime.
Yes, tell me.
Gracias, ¿cómo se dice...?
Thank you, how do you say...?
When they are ready to listen
Adelante, te escucho.
Go ahead, I'm listening.
Es sobre lo que dijiste antes.
It's about what you said earlier.
🧠Memory Tricks
A 'pregunta' starts like 'pray' (pre-). Imagine you are 'praying' for an answer to your question.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
No entiendo
Useful to say immediately after your question if the answer is too fast.
¿Puedes repetir, por favor?
Essential for when you don't catch the answer to your question.
¿Cómo se dice...?
The most common question you will have as a learner.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: I have a question
Question 1 of 2
You are in a Spanish class and you're confused about a grammar rule. What is the most natural thing to say?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I say 'Tengo una duda' at a restaurant?
Yes, but 'Tengo una pregunta' is more common if you're asking about the menu. 'Duda' implies you are actually confused by something.
Is 'cuestión' ever the right word for a question?
Almost never if you want an answer. 'Cuestión' means 'issue' or 'matter,' like 'una cuestión de dinero' (a matter of money).
Why do people say 'hacer' a question instead of 'ask'?
It's just a difference in how the languages view the action. In Spanish, you 'construct' or 'perform' (hacer) the question.
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