How to say ‘Who’ in Spanish?

If you’re learning Spanish, you might wonder how to say “who” in this lovely language. Fortunately, the answer is simple. In this article, we will look at the definition of “who” in Spanish regional differences and provide a few sample sentences to help you practice.

The Spanish term for “who” is “quién” (IPA: /ˈkjen/). It is a question that allows us to ask about people or individuals. When we want to know someone’s name or identity in Spanish, we say “quién.” It is also used to inquire about someone’s job or profession and to seek clarification on their role in a given situation.

In English, the word “who” is used to ask questions about people but can also function as a relative pronoun in a sentence. In Spanish, “quién” does not have a double meaning and is only used to ask about people.

Mastering basic Spanish words can help you navigate different Spanish conversations. If you are learning Spanish, look for ways to expand your vocabulary and pronunciation.

Learning to say ‘who’ in Spanish

As previously stated, “who” in Spanish is “quién”? It’s a two-syllable word pronounced “kyen”. Here’s how to use “quién” in several situations:

¿Quién eres?	Who are you?
¿Quién es él?	Who is he?
¿Quiénes son ellos?	Who are they?
¿Con quién hablas?	Who are you talking to?
¿Para quién es esto?	Who is this for?

There are a few regional differences in using who, how, and what in Spanish. Knowing these regional differences can help you better understand the language, its concepts, and related applications.

Some regional differences

As with most languages, Spanish has regional variations. The word for “who” is not an exception. While “quién” is widely used in Spanish-speaking countries, there are regional variations in how it is pronounced. In some countries, such as Mexico and Colombia, the “y” sound in “kyen” is emphasized, giving it the pronunciation “kyen-y”. In other countries, such as Spain, the “y” sound is less prominent, making it sound like “kyen”.

Sample sentences on how to say “who” in Spanish

Here are five example sentences with “quién” to help you practice saying “who” in Spanish:

¿Quién eres tú?	Who are you?
¿Quién va a la fiesta?	Who is going to the party?
¿Con quién hablas?	Who are you talking to?
¿Quién es ese chico?	Who is that boy?
¿Quiénes son ellos?	Who are they?

You must also learn to ask how are you in Spanish. Learning these common phrases and expressions can help you build everlasting friendships and relationships with the people who matter to you.  

We recommend you take Spanish conversation classes to build and expand your language skills. These classes carry different practice exercises and conversational assignments that assist you in developing the confidence to speak Spanish publically.

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You will learn Spanish quickly if you listen to constructive feedback from your tutor and regularly track your progress.

Frequently asked questions

How do you say ‘who’ in Spanish?

‘Who’ in Spanish is translated as ‘quién’ when referring to singular individuals and ‘quienes’ when referring to plural individuals.

Is there any difference in usage between ‘quién’ and ‘quienes’?

Yes, ‘quién’ is used for singular individuals, while ‘quienes’ is used for plural individuals. They both serve as the interrogative pronoun ‘who.’

Can ‘quién’ and ‘quienes’ be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, ‘quién’ and ‘quienes’ are versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Consider the formality of the situation when choosing between them.

Conclusion

Understanding the usage of ‘who’ in Spanish is essential for effective communication and comprehension. Spanish offers versatility with ‘quién’ for singular individuals and ‘quienes’ for plural individuals, accommodating various formal and informal contexts.

Additionally, you can explore italki to hire the best private Spanish tutor and embark on mastering this lovely language.