Literal Translation Error
Mistake: “Trying to translate 'It's up to you' word-for-word, resulting in something like 'Está arriba a ti'.”
Correction: Use a correct phrase like 'Depende de ti' or 'Como tú quieras'.
How to say
It's up to you
in SpanishComo tú quieras
KOH-moh too KYEH-rahs
This is the most common and natural way to say 'It's up to you' or 'As you wish' in casual, everyday conversations with friends, family, or people your age.
Deciding which path to take? In Spanish, you can let your friend choose by saying 'Como tú quieras' or 'Tú decides.'
🎬Watch & Learn
It's up to you — in Spanish
💬Other Ways to Say It
Depende de ti
★★★★★
deh-PEN-deh deh tee
informal🌍
A very direct translation meaning 'It depends on you.' It clearly places the responsibility for the decision on the other person.
When to use: Use this when you want to be explicit that the other person is the decision-maker, for example, when discussing personal choices or plans.
Tú decides
★★★★★
too deh-SEE-dehs
informal🌍
This is a very straightforward and empowering phrase, literally meaning 'You decide.' It's clear, simple, and very common.
When to use: Perfect for casual situations with friends or family when choosing something together, like a movie, a restaurant, or an activity.
Como usted quiera
★★★★☆
KOH-moh oos-TED KYEH-rah
formal🌍
The formal version of 'Como tú quieras.' Using 'usted' shows respect and is essential in professional or formal settings.
When to use: Use when speaking to an elder, a boss, a client, or anyone you'd address formally. For example, a waiter might say this to a customer.
Depende de usted
★★★★☆
deh-PEN-deh deh oos-TED
formal🌍
The formal equivalent of 'Depende de ti.' It respectfully hands over the responsibility for the decision.
When to use: Ideal in business contexts or when you want to formally give someone else the power to make a final choice.
Usted decide
★★★★☆
oos-TED deh-SEE-deh
formal🌍
The formal version of 'Tú decides.' It respectfully gives the other person control over the decision.
When to use: When a client asks for your professional opinion, but you want to empower them to have the final say.
Lo que tú digas
★★★☆☆
loh keh too DEE-gahs
informal🌍
This means 'Whatever you say.' It can be used genuinely to show you're easygoing, but be careful with your tone, as it can also sound sarcastic or resigned.
When to use: Use genuinely when you're happy to go along with any plan. Avoid using a flat or annoyed tone unless you intend to show displeasure.
Por mí, bien
★★★★☆
por MEE, BYEN
casual🌍
This translates to 'It's fine by me' or 'I'm good with that.' It's less about handing over a decision and more about showing your agreement with whatever they choose.
When to use: When someone suggests an option and you want to show you're flexible and happy to let them take the lead.
Tú mandas
★★★☆☆
too MAHN-dahs
very informal🇲🇽 🌎
A very friendly and colloquial phrase that literally means 'You command' or 'You're the boss.' It's a playful way to let someone take charge.
When to use: With close friends when you feel very agreeable and want to give them full control over the plans in a fun way.
Vos decidís
★★★★☆
vohs deh-see-DEES
informal🇦🇷 🇺🇾 🌍
The 'voseo' version of 'Tú decides,' common in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Central America. It's the standard informal way to say 'You decide' in these regions.
When to use: When speaking informally with people from regions that use 'vos' instead of 'tú.' Using this will make you sound much more natural there.
🔑Key Words
📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best phrase based on the situation and nuance.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Como tú quieras | Informal | In formal or professional settings where 'usted' is required. | |
| Depende de ti | Informal | You want to sound more collaborative; it can sometimes sound like you're avoiding responsibility. | |
| Tú decides | Informal | You want to offer a suggestion; this phrase completely hands over control. | |
| Lo que tú digas | Informal | You are feeling annoyed, as your tone can easily make it sound sarcastic or dismissive. | |
| Usted decide | Formal | Chatting with close friends, as it will sound overly formal and distant. |
📈Difficulty Level
Overall Difficulty:beginnerPractice for a few hours
Pronunciation2/5
The sounds are generally straightforward for English speakers. The main challenge is the soft 'd' in 'depende' and rolling the 'r' in 'quieras'.
Grammar3/5
The main grammatical challenge is remembering to match the verb to the correct pronoun (tú/usted/vos). It's easy once you learn the rule, but a common slip-up.
Cultural Nuance3/5
Choosing between formal and informal versions is crucial and requires social awareness. Understanding when a phrase might sound dismissive versus polite also adds a layer of nuance.
Key Challenges:
- Distinguishing between 'tú', 'usted', and 'vos'.
- Mastering the tone to avoid sounding sarcastic with 'Lo que tú digas'.
💡Examples in Action
Casual conversation between partners or friendsA2
¿Pedimos pizza o tacos para cenar? — Como tú quieras, a mí me da igual.
Should we order pizza or tacos for dinner? — It's up to you, I don't mind either way.
Formal business email or conversationB1
Podemos programar la reunión para el martes o el miércoles. Usted decide.
We can schedule the meeting for Tuesday or Wednesday. It's up to you.
Serious conversation giving advice to a friendB1
No puedo tomar esta decisión por ti. Depende de ti si quieres aceptar el nuevo trabajo o no.
I can't make this decision for you. It's up to you whether you want to accept the new job or not.
Informal chat with a friend from ArgentinaB2
¿Vamos al cine o nos quedamos en casa? — ¡Vos decidís, che! Por mí, cualquier plan está bueno.
Should we go to the movies or stay home? — You decide, man! Any plan is good for me.
🌍Cultural Context
Politeness and Deference
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, deferring a decision with a phrase like 'Como usted quiera' is a common sign of respect, especially towards elders or superiors. It's not necessarily a sign of indifference but rather a polite gesture to give the other person control.
The Importance of Tú vs. Usted
The choice between informal ('tú'/'vos') and formal ('usted') versions is not optional; it's a critical part of the language that reflects your relationship with the person. Using 'tú decides' with your boss could be seen as disrespectful, while using 'usted decide' with a close friend might sound cold and distant.
Avoiding Conflict
Sometimes, 'Como tú quieras' can be used to avoid expressing a strong preference and potentially causing disagreement. Maintaining group harmony is often valued, so being easygoing is a positive social trait. This phrase is a key tool for showing you're a flexible and agreeable person.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Formality Levels
Mistake: “Saying 'Como usted quieras' or 'Tú decide'.”
Correction: 'Como usted quiera' (formal) or 'Como tú quieras' (informal). 'Usted decide' (formal) or 'Tú decides' (informal).
Confusing 'Depende' and 'Depende de ti'
Mistake: “Someone asks, 'Should we go to the movies?' and you answer with just 'Depende'.”
Correction: 'Depende de ti' or 'Como tú quieras'.
💡Pro Tips
Soften Your Delivery
To sound more friendly and less indifferent, you can combine these phrases with a positive statement. For example, 'Ambas opciones suenan bien, pero como tú quieras.' ('Both options sound good, but it's up to you.')
Watch Your Tone
The phrase 'Lo que tú digas' ('Whatever you say') is highly dependent on tone. Said with a smile, it means 'I'm happy with whatever you choose!' Said with a flat tone or an eye-roll, it means 'Fine, have it your way' and can sound passive-aggressive.
Listen for 'Voseo'
If you're in Argentina, Uruguay, or parts of Central America, listen for how people talk. If you hear them using 'vos' (e.g., '¿vos querés?'), make sure to use 'vos decidís' or 'como vos quieras' to sound like a local.
🗺️Regional Variations
🇪🇸
Spain
Preferred:Como tú quieras / Depende de ti
Pronunciation:The 'd' in 'depende' is softer, almost like the 'th' in 'the'. The 's' sound at the end of words like 'quieras' is pronounced clearly.
Alternatives:
Tú verásLo que tú veas
The phrase 'Tú verás' (literally 'You will see') is very common in Spain and carries a meaning similar to 'It's up to you, but you'll see the consequences.' It can be a friendly suggestion or a light warning.
🇲🇽
Mexico
Preferred:Como tú quieras / Tú decides
Pronunciation:Pronunciation is generally very clear. The final 's' is always pronounced. The 'd' sound is a bit harder than in Spain.
Alternatives:
Como gustesTú mandas
'Como gustes' is a slightly more polite and common alternative to 'Como quieras'. The phrase 'Tú mandas' ('You're the boss') is a very friendly, common, and colloquial way to let a friend take the lead.
🇦🇷
Argentina
Preferred:Como vos quieras / Vos decidís
Pronunciation:The most notable difference is the use of 'vos' and its unique verb forms. Argentinians often aspirate the 's' at the end of syllables, so 'decidís' might sound more like 'deci-DEEH'.
Alternatives:
Fijate vosComo te parezca
The use of 'vos' is non-negotiable for informal speech. 'Fijate vos' (roughly 'You figure it out') is a very common colloquialism. Using 'tú' here will immediately mark you as a foreigner.
💬What Comes Next?
After you say 'Como tú quieras' to a friend
They say:
Bueno, entonces vamos al restaurante italiano.
Okay, then let's go to the Italian restaurant.
→
You respond:
¡Perfecto! Me parece una buena idea.
Perfect! That sounds like a good idea to me.
After you say 'Usted decide' in a business meeting
They say:
¿Está seguro? Me gustaría saber su opinión.
Are you sure? I'd like to know your opinion.
→
You respond:
Por supuesto. Mi recomendación sería la opción A, pero la decisión final es suya.
Of course. My recommendation would be option A, but the final decision is yours.
After you say 'Depende de ti'
They say:
Es que no estoy seguro/a...
It's just that I'm not sure...
→
You respond:
Tómate tu tiempo. No hay prisa.
Take your time. There's no rush.
🧠Memory Tricks
Think of '**De**-**pen**-**de** **de** **ti**' as '**The** **pen** **depends** on **thee**' (an old way of saying 'you').
Visualize handing someone a pen to sign a contract or make a choice. The final action 'depends on thee,' making it their decision.
Connect '**Como tú quieras**' to '**Care** less'. When you 'care less' about the outcome, you say 'Whatever you want'.
The 'que-' sound in 'quieras' can loosely remind you of 'care'. If you don't have a strong preference, you let the other person choose.
🔄How It Differs from English
In English, 'It's up to you' is a fairly neutral phrase used in both formal and informal contexts without changing its form. In Spanish, the phrase fundamentally changes based on your relationship with the person (tú vs. usted), making social context much more important. Furthermore, Spanish offers more nuance, from the agreeable 'Como tú quieras' to the responsibility-placing 'Depende de ti'.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say I don't care in Spanish
This is a very common response after someone tells you 'It's up to you.' Phrases like 'No me importa' or 'Me da igual' are natural follow-ups.
How to say what do you think in Spanish
This is the question that often leads to the answer 'It's up to you.' Learning to ask '¿Qué piensas?' or '¿Qué te parece?' is essential for these conversations.
How to agree and disagree in Spanish
After someone makes a decision, you'll need to know how to agree ('Estoy de acuerdo') or politely disagree.
How to use tú vs. usted
This concept is fundamental to using 'It's up to you' correctly. Mastering formality is a key step to fluency.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz: It's up to you
Question 1 of 4
You are discussing weekend plans with your new, older boss. She asks if you'd prefer to prepare the report on Friday or Monday. What is the most appropriate response?
Use phrases naturally, not mechanically
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between 'Como tú quieras' and 'Tú decides'?
They're very similar and often interchangeable. 'Como tú quieras' ('As you wish') sounds slightly softer and more agreeable, like you're happily going with the flow. 'Tú decides' ('You decide') is more direct and straightforward, clearly handing over the decision-making power.
Can I just say 'Depende' instead of 'Depende de ti'?
You can, but it means something different. 'Depende' on its own just means 'It depends,' and it usually invites a follow-up question like '¿Depende de qué?' ('Depends on what?'). You need to add 'de ti' to specify that the decision depends *on the person you're talking to*.
Is it rude to say 'It's up to you' in Spanish?
Not at all! In fact, it's often considered polite and flexible. It shows you respect the other person's preference. The only way it could be seen as negative is if you use it to constantly avoid having an opinion, which might be seen as unhelpful.
How do I say 'It's up to them' or 'It's up to us'?
Great question! You just change the pronoun. For 'them,' you'd say 'Depende de ellos' (a group of men or mixed) or 'Depende de ellas' (a group of women). For 'us,' you'd say 'Depende de nosotros'.
What if I'm in a group with formal and informal people?
This can be tricky! To be safe, you can address the group using the plural 'ustedes'. You would say 'Como ustedes quieran' or 'Ustedes deciden'. This works in both formal and informal group settings across Latin America. In Spain, you'd use 'vosotros' for an informal group ('Como vosotros queráis').
Is 'Tú verás' from Spain friendly or a threat?
It depends entirely on context and tone! A friend might say it playfully, meaning 'It's your call, let's see what happens!' A parent might say it to a child with a sterner tone, implying 'Go ahead, but you'll face the consequences.' It's a nuanced phrase best used once you're comfortable with Spanish.
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