Grammar
Spanish question words: qué, quién, cuándo and more
Learn essential Spanish question words with examples, accents and usage notes.
Spanish question words carry accent marks in direct and indirect questions.
Pattern and examples
Read the Spanish example first, then check the English meaning. The note explains what to notice.
| Pattern | Spanish example | English meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| qué | ¿Qué haces? | What are you doing? | what |
| quién | ¿Quién llama? | Who is calling? | who |
| cuándo | ¿Cuándo llegas? | When do you arrive? | when |
| dónde | ¿Dónde vives? | Where do you live? | where |
| por qué | ¿Por qué estudias? | Why do you study? | why |
| cómo | ¿Cómo estás? | How are you? | how |
How to study this grammar point
Spanish grammar becomes easier when you learn small sentence patterns. Repeat one example aloud, then change only the noun, verb or time expression.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Dropping accent marks in questionsQuestion words need accents: qué, cómo, dónde.
- Confusing por qué and porque“Por qué” asks why; “porque” answers because.
Make your own examples
Say three sentences aloud using one Spanish expression from this page. Then replace one word to make the sentence personal.
- Read the Spanish example slowly.
- Repeat it without looking at the English meaning.
- Change the person, time or place.
FAQ
What should I practice first?
Start by copying the examples aloud, then change one word at a time to make your own sentences.
Do I need perfect grammar to communicate?
No. Clear communication comes first, but these patterns help you sound more natural and avoid confusing mistakes.