Meaning
Used to ask someone what is troubling them or what is happening.
Cultural Background
In Spain, people are very direct. Asking '¿Qué te pasa?' isn't seen as intrusive; it's often seen as a necessary part of being a good friend. Mexicans often use '¿Qué traes?' as a synonym. It implies 'What are you carrying/bringing with you?' in terms of mood or problems. In Argentina, the phrase is often preceded by 'Che'. It can be very empathetic or very aggressive depending on the length of the 'e' in 'Che'. In some parts of Colombia, '¿Qué le pasa?' is used even with friends to show a level of 'respectful distance' or 'paisa' politeness, though 'te' is still common.
Watch the Tone
A rising, soft intonation shows concern. A flat, hard intonation shows anger.
Not a Greeting
Don't use this as 'Hello'. It implies you think something is wrong with the person.
Meaning
Used to ask someone what is troubling them or what is happening.
Watch the Tone
A rising, soft intonation shows concern. A flat, hard intonation shows anger.
Not a Greeting
Don't use this as 'Hello'. It implies you think something is wrong with the person.
Use with Objects
Remember you can use '¿Qué le pasa a...?' for anything that isn't working, from a car to a relationship.
Regional Choice
If you are in Mexico, try '¿Qué traes?' to sound more like a local.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct indirect object pronoun for a formal situation.
¿Qué ___ pasa, señor García? ¿Se siente bien?
'Le' is the formal indirect object pronoun used for 'usted'.
Which phrase is used to ask what is wrong with a broken car?
El coche no funciona.
We use 'le' to refer to the car (it).
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: ¡Ay! ¡Mi pierna! B: ________
When someone is in pain, '¿Qué te pasa?' is the correct way to ask what happened.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see your best friend crying in the library.
You use 'te' for a friend (informal 'tú').
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises¿Qué ___ pasa, señor García? ¿Se siente bien?
'Le' is the formal indirect object pronoun used for 'usted'.
El coche no funciona.
We use 'le' to refer to the car (it).
A: ¡Ay! ¡Mi pierna! B: ________
When someone is in pain, '¿Qué te pasa?' is the correct way to ask what happened.
You see your best friend crying in the library.
You use 'te' for a friend (informal 'tú').
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt depends on the tone. It can be the kindest thing to say to a sad friend, or a very rude way to confront a stranger.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. The verb must be 'pasa' because 'Qué' is the subject.
'¿Qué pasa?' is 'What's up?'. '¿Qué te pasa?' is 'What's wrong with YOU?'.
Use '¿Qué le pasa?' or better yet, '¿Le ocurre algo?'.
Yes, it almost always implies a deviation from the normal or desired state.
Related Phrases
¿Qué pasa?
similarWhat's up? / What's happening?
¿Qué te sucede?
synonymWhat is happening to you?
¿Qué tienes?
synonymWhat do you have?
¿Cómo estás?
similarHow are you?
¿Qué le ocurre?
specialized formWhat is occurring to you?
