Meaning
Used to ask about someone's desires or wishes.
Cultural Background
In Spain, '¿Qué quieres?' is very direct and common in bars. Don't be offended if a waiter uses it with you if you look young; it's a sign of a casual, friendly atmosphere. Mexicans often prefer more indirect or polite forms. Instead of a sharp '¿Qué?', they might use '¿Mande?' or '¿Qué se le ofrece?' in service contexts. The use of 'voseo' (vos) is universal. '¿Qué querés?' is the standard informal way to ask this, and using 'quieres' might actually sound strange or like a movie dub. In some regions like Medellín, people use 'usted' even with friends and family (ustedeo). You might hear '¿Qué quiere?' among close friends as a sign of local identity.
Use with Infinitives
You can add any verb in its base form (infinitive) after 'quieres' to ask about actions. It's the fastest way to expand your Spanish!
Watch your Tone
If you say this too fast or with a flat voice, it can sound like you are annoyed. Keep it melodic and friendly.
Meaning
Used to ask about someone's desires or wishes.
Use with Infinitives
You can add any verb in its base form (infinitive) after 'quieres' to ask about actions. It's the fastest way to expand your Spanish!
Watch your Tone
If you say this too fast or with a flat voice, it can sound like you are annoyed. Keep it melodic and friendly.
The 'Usted' Rule
When in doubt, use '¿Qué desea?' with people older than you. It's always better to be too polite than too casual.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to ask a friend what they want to eat.
¿Qué _______ comer?
'Quieres' is the correct 'tú' form for a friend.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask a stranger what they want?
You are at a formal reception...
'Desea usted' is the most formal and respectful option.
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: Tengo hambre. Luis: Yo también. ¿_______?
Since they are talking about being hungry, 'comer' (to eat) is the most logical choice.
Match the phrase to the region.
Where would you most likely hear '¿Qué querés?'
Argentina uses 'voseo', which changes 'quieres' to 'querés'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises¿Qué _______ comer?
'Quieres' is the correct 'tú' form for a friend.
You are at a formal reception...
'Desea usted' is the most formal and respectful option.
Ana: Tengo hambre. Luis: Yo también. ¿_______?
Since they are talking about being hungry, 'comer' (to eat) is the most logical choice.
Where would you most likely hear '¿Qué querés?'
Argentina uses 'voseo', which changes 'quieres' to 'querés'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot inherently. It depends on who you are talking to and your tone. With friends, it's perfect. With a boss, it's rude.
In Spanish, all question words (qué, quién, cómo, etc.) have accents when they are used in a question.
No, for that you must say '¿Qué quieres decir?'.
'Quieres' is for 'tú' (informal), and 'quiere' is for 'usted' (formal).
You say '¿Qué querés?'.
No, '¿Qué quieres?' only means 'What do you want?'. To say 'I love you', you say 'Te quiero'.
If the waiter is young and the place is casual, yes. If it's a nice restaurant, it's better to wait for them to ask you.
In Spain, use '¿Qué queréis?'. In Latin America, use '¿Qué quieren?'.
Yes, in the context of a question about desire, it always means 'want'.
Usually 'Quiero...' followed by a noun or a verb, or 'No sé' (I don't know).
Related Phrases
¿Qué deseas?
similarWhat do you desire?
¿Qué buscas?
specialized formWhat are you looking for?
¿Qué te apetece?
similarWhat do you feel like having?
¿Qué quieres decir?
builds onWhat do you mean?
