Inklingo

How to Say "questions" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “questions” is “preguntas” — use 'preguntas' when you are asking for information or posing direct inquiries, similar to the basic English concept of a question..

English → Spanish

preguntas

/pre-GOON-tass//pɾeˈɣun.tas/

NounA1General
Use 'preguntas' when you are asking for information or posing direct inquiries, similar to the basic English concept of a question.
A small, curious child holds up three distinct, brightly colored geometric objects (a blue cube, a yellow sphere, and a green pyramid) toward a thoughtful adult, representing multiple questions.

Examples

Tengo dos preguntas para ti.

I have two questions for you.

El profesor siempre anima a los estudiantes a hacer preguntas.

The teacher always encourages students to ask questions.

Sus preguntas eran muy difíciles de contestar.

His questions were very difficult to answer.

Making Nouns Plural

This is the plural form of 'pregunta'. To make most Spanish words that end in a vowel plural, you just add an '-s', like this!

Asking Questions vs. Asking For Things

Mistake: “Quiero preguntar un café.”

Correction: To ask a question, use 'hacer una pregunta' or 'preguntar'. To ask FOR something, use 'pedir'. The right way is: 'Quiero pedir un café' (I want to ask for/order a coffee).

dudas

/DOO-das//ˈduðas/

NounA2General
Use 'dudas' when referring to uncertainty or things that need clarification, implying a lack of understanding.
A confused character standing at a fork in the road, unsure which way to go, illustrating the feeling of having doubts or uncertainties.

Examples

Si tienes dudas, puedes preguntar a la profesora.

If you have questions, you can ask the teacher.

Ella tenía serias dudas sobre la honestidad del vendedor.

She had serious doubts about the honesty of the seller.

Using 'Tener'

In Spanish, you 'have doubts' (tener dudas), unlike English where we often 'are doubtful' or 'have doubts'.

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Tener'

Mistake: “Soy dudas.”

Correction: Tengo dudas. (You use the verb 'tener'—to have—to express this feeling.)

cuestiones

/kwes-TYOH-nes//kwesˈtjones/

NounA2Formal/General
Use 'cuestiones' for more abstract, complex, or debated topics, often referring to issues or matters that need discussion or resolution.
A group of colorful folders and papers spread across a wooden table, representing different topics.

Examples

Hay algunas cuestiones que debemos resolver hoy.

There are some matters we need to resolve today.

Es una de las cuestiones más importantes del proyecto.

It is one of the most important issues of the project.

Always Feminine

Even though it doesn't end in 'a', this word is feminine. Use 'las' or 'unas' with it.

Cuestiones vs. Preguntas

Mistake: “Using 'cuestiones' when you are literally asking for an answer.”

Correction: Use 'preguntas' for a question you ask a teacher; use 'cuestiones' for a topic or a matter being analyzed.

problemas

/pro-BLEH-mas//pɾoˈβle.mas/

NounA2Academic/General
Use 'problemas' specifically when referring to questions in an academic or test context, especially mathematical problems.
A close-up of a wooden desk where a hand is actively arranging a collection of diverse, brightly colored 3D geometric shapes into a specific pattern, symbolizing a logic exercise.

Examples

La maestra nos dio diez problemas de matemáticas.

The teacher gave us ten math problems.

No entiendo cómo resolver estos problemas de física.

I don't understand how to solve these physics problems.

Same Tricky Gender!

Just like the general meaning, this word is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'los' to talk about it, for example, 'los problemas de álgebra'.

Confusing 'Preguntas' with 'Cuestiones' and 'Dudas'

The most common mistake is using 'preguntas' for abstract issues or uncertainties. Remember, 'preguntas' are direct inquiries for information, while 'cuestiones' are broader topics or issues, and 'dudas' signify uncertainty or points needing clarification.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.