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How to Say "question" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pregunta

/pre-GOON-tah//pɾeˈɣun.ta/

NounA1General
Use 'pregunta' when you are asking a direct question to get information, like in a classroom or during a conversation.
A small, curious child with a thoughtful expression looking up at a large, wise owl, symbolizing the act of forming or having a question.

Examples

Tengo una pregunta para la profesora.

I have a question for the teacher.

La pregunta del examen era muy difícil.

The exam question was very difficult.

Esa es una buena pregunta; necesito pensar en la respuesta.

That's a good question; I need to think about the answer.

Making a Question

In Spanish, you don't 'ask' a question with a single verb. Instead, you 'make' one. The most common phrase is 'hacer una pregunta'.

Confusing 'pregunta' and 'cuestión'

Mistake: “Tengo una cuestión: ¿dónde está el baño?”

Correction: Tengo una pregunta: ¿dónde está el baño? Use 'pregunta' for a direct question. 'Cuestión' is more like an 'issue' or 'matter' to be discussed, e.g., 'la cuestión del medio ambiente' (the issue of the environment).

duda

/doo-da//ˈdu.ða/

NounA2General
Use 'duda' when you have uncertainty or a need for clarification about something.
A small, simple character standing at a fork in a path, looking back and forth between the two directions with a confused or uncertain expression.

Examples

Tengo una duda sobre cómo funciona esto.

I have a question about how this works.

No me cabe la menor duda de que tienes razón.

I don't have the slightest doubt that you're right.

Sin duda, este es el mejor restaurante de la ciudad.

Without a doubt, this is the best restaurant in the city.

Duda vs. Pregunta

'Duda' is the feeling of uncertainty you have inside your head. 'Pregunta' is the actual question you ask out loud to get information. If you raise your hand in class, you have a 'duda,' but you ask a 'pregunta'.

Asking a 'duda'

Mistake: “Voy a hacerte una duda.”

Correction: Voy a hacerte una pregunta. 'Preguntas' are what you 'make' or 'ask' ('hacer'). You 'have' ('tener') a 'duda'.

problema

/pro-BLEH-mah//pɾoˈβle.ma/

NounA2General
Use 'problema' when referring to a problem, especially in an academic or technical context, or a topic for discussion.
A child's hand successfully placing the final piece into a simple, colorful wooden block puzzle on a clean surface.

Examples

No entiendo este problema de matemáticas.

I don't understand this math problem.

El profesor nos dio diez problemas para resolver en casa.

The teacher gave us ten problems to solve at home.

El libro plantea un problema filosófico muy interesante.

The book poses a very interesting philosophical problem.

cuestión

NounB2Formal/General
Use 'cuestión' for more abstract, complex, or philosophical inquiries, often referring to a matter or issue under consideration.

Examples

No quiso responder a mi cuestión sobre el futuro de la empresa.

He didn't want to answer my question about the future of the company.

Choosing between 'pregunta' and 'duda'

The most common mistake is confusing 'pregunta' (a direct question) with 'duda' (uncertainty or a need for clarification). If you are asking for information, use 'pregunta'. If you are expressing that you are unsure about something and need it explained, use 'duda'.

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