Meaning
Asks for repetition or clarification of something that was said.
Cultural Background
In Spain, '¿Cómo?' or '¿Cómo dices?' is standard. Using '¿Qué?' is common but can be seen as slightly aggressive depending on the tone. The word '¿Mande?' is extremely common. It comes from 'mándeme usted' (command me), and while some see it as a relic of colonial servility, most use it as a sign of great respect. Argentines often use '¿Cómo?' or '¿Qué?'. Because of the 'voseo', you might hear '¿Cómo decís?' (with the accent on the 'i'). Colombians are known for being very polite. They often use '¿Señora?' or '¿Señor?' as a way to say 'What did you say?'.
The Intonation Trick
If you want to show you're shocked, make the 'dices' much higher in pitch than the 'cómo'.
The 'Qué' Trap
Avoid just saying '¿Qué?' constantly. It makes you sound impatient or uneducated. '¿Cómo?' is always safer.
Meaning
Asks for repetition or clarification of something that was said.
The Intonation Trick
If you want to show you're shocked, make the 'dices' much higher in pitch than the 'cómo'.
The 'Qué' Trap
Avoid just saying '¿Qué?' constantly. It makes you sound impatient or uneducated. '¿Cómo?' is always safer.
Mexico's Mande
If you are in Mexico, try using '¿Mande?'. Locals will love that you know this cultural nuance.
Test Yourself
You are talking to your best friend and didn't hear their joke. What do you say?
—...y entonces el elefante dijo '¡hola!'. —________, no te he oído.
'¿Cómo dices?' is the correct informal form for a friend.
Complete the formal version of the phrase.
—Señor García, ¿________ dice? No le escucho bien por la interferencia.
In formal settings with 'usted', we use 'dice' instead of 'dices'.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
1. ¿Cómo dices? (Informal) | 2. ¿Cómo dice? (Formal) | 3. ¿Mande? (Regional/Mexico)
Register and region determine the best choice.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises—...y entonces el elefante dijo '¡hola!'. —________, no te he oído.
'¿Cómo dices?' is the correct informal form for a friend.
—Señor García, ¿________ dice? No le escucho bien por la interferencia.
In formal settings with 'usted', we use 'dice' instead of 'dices'.
1. ¿Cómo dices? (Informal) | 2. ¿Cómo dice? (Formal) | 3. ¿Mande? (Regional/Mexico)
Register and region determine the best choice.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot among friends, but it can be seen as too casual for formal situations. Use '¿Perdón?' if you're unsure.
Yes, '¿Cómo?' is actually more common than the full '¿Cómo dices?' in fast conversation.
'¿Cómo dices?' asks for repetition. '¿Qué dices?' usually expresses shock or disagreement with the logic of what was said.
Use '¿Cómo dice?' or '¿Perdón, podría repetir?'. Never use 'dices' with a teacher.
Only in informal texts (WhatsApp) or in dialogue in books. It's not for formal essays.
Because it's an interrogative word. All question words in Spanish (qué, quién, cómo, etc.) take an accent.
No, it's almost exclusively Mexican. In Spain, it sounds very old-fashioned or foreign.
Say: 'Lo siento, sigo sin entender. ¿Puedes decirlo de otra forma?'.
Yes, a sharp '¿Cómo dices?' can signal that you find someone's comment offensive.
Yes: '¿Qué dijiste?' (What did you say?). It's very common.
Related Phrases
¿Perdón?
similarPardon? / Sorry?
¿Mande?
specialized formWhat? (Polite)
¿Qué dijiste?
similarWhat did you say?
¿Cómo?
synonymHow? / What?
