Meaning
Used to ask about a person's identity.
Cultural Background
It is very common to ask '¿Quién es?' when the doorbell rings, even if you are expecting someone. In Mexico, people often add '¿Quién habla?' when answering the phone to be polite. In informal settings, '¿Quién sos?' is used, reflecting the 'vos' form.
The Accent Rule
Always write the accent on the 'e'. It distinguishes the question from the relative pronoun.
People Only
If you are asking about a dog or a cat, use '¿Qué es?'. Only use '¿Quién?' for humans.
Meaning
Used to ask about a person's identity.
The Accent Rule
Always write the accent on the 'e'. It distinguishes the question from the relative pronoun.
People Only
If you are asking about a dog or a cat, use '¿Qué es?'. Only use '¿Quién?' for humans.
Phone Etiquette
Use '¿Quién habla?' instead of '¿Quién eres?' on the phone for better politeness.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
_____ es tu mejor amigo?
We are asking about a person.
Choose the correct sentence.
Which is correct?
They are plural people.
Match the question to the answer.
Match: 1. ¿Quién es? A. Es mi hermano.
Identity matches identity.
Complete the dialogue.
Knock knock! You say: _____
Standard response to a knock.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises_____ es tu mejor amigo?
We are asking about a person.
Which is correct?
They are plural people.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Identity matches identity.
Knock knock! You say: _____
Standard response to a knock.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsGenerally no, unless the animal is a pet with a name or a character in a story.
It is a diacritic mark to show it is an interrogative pronoun.
Yes, in standard Spanish.
Yes, as a relative pronoun (e.g., 'La persona quien...').
No, 'quién' is gender-neutral.
Use '¿Quién es?' as a default.
It depends on tone. Alone, it can be blunt.
Use '¿De quién...?'
Related Phrases
Quiénes
specialized formPlural of who
De quién
builds onWhose
A quién
builds onTo whom
