Inklingo

How to Say "question" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “question” is “pregunta” — use 'pregunta' when you are directly asking for information or posing a query to someone, like in a classroom or during a conversation.

pregunta🔊A1

Use 'pregunta' when you are directly asking for information or posing a query to someone, like in a classroom or during a conversation.

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duda🔊A2

Choose 'duda' when you need clarification about something or have uncertainty, implying a lack of understanding rather than a direct inquiry.

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problema🔊A2

Use 'problema' when referring to a matter that needs to be discussed, solved, or is being studied, particularly in academic or logical contexts.

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cuestiónB2

Opt for 'cuestión' when referring to a complex, abstract, or philosophical topic, or an issue that is a subject of debate or consideration.

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interrogante🔊B1

Use 'interrogante' for a situation that is mysterious, unknown, or poses a significant doubt or puzzle, often used in more formal or literary contexts.

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English → Spanish

pregunta

pre-GOON-tahpɾeˈɣun.ta

NounA1General
Use 'pregunta' when you are directly asking for information or posing a query to someone, 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-daˈdu.ða

NounA2General
Choose 'duda' when you need clarification about something or have uncertainty, implying a lack of understanding rather than a direct inquiry.
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-mahpɾoˈβle.ma

NounA2General
Use 'problema' when referring to a matter that needs to be discussed, solved, or is being studied, particularly in academic or logical contexts.
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

NounB2General
Opt for 'cuestión' when referring to a complex, abstract, or philosophical topic, or an issue that is a subject of debate or 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.

interrogante

een-teh-rro-GAHN-tehinteroˈɡante

NounB1Formal
Use 'interrogante' for a situation that is mysterious, unknown, or poses a significant doubt or puzzle, often used in more formal or literary contexts.
A single glowing key sitting in the middle of a dark, misty forest path, representing a mystery.

Examples

El motivo del crimen sigue siendo un gran interrogante para la policía.

The motive for the crime remains a big question for the police.

En español, debes usar un interrogante al principio y otro al final.

In Spanish, you must use one question mark at the beginning and another at the end.

Hay muchos interrogantes sobre el nuevo plan económico del gobierno.

There are many questions regarding the government's new economic plan.

Masculine vs. Feminine

When talking about a doubt or a mystery, this word is usually masculine ('el interrogante'). While some regions use it as feminine, sticking to masculine is the safest and most common choice.

Double Punctuation

Unlike English, which only uses '?' at the end, Spanish uses two symbols: the upside-down '¿' (interrogante de apertura) to start and '?' (interrogante de cierre) to finish.

Interrogante vs. Pregunta

Mistake: “Using 'interrogante' for a simple question like 'What time is it?'.”

Correction: Use 'pregunta' for everyday inquiries. Use 'interrogante' for bigger mysteries, doubts, or the literal symbol.

Pregunta vs. Duda

Learners often confuse 'pregunta' and 'duda'. Remember, 'pregunta' is for when you are actively asking for information. 'Duda' is for when you have uncertainty or need clarification about something you don't understand.

Related Translations

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