Learning how to ask what is that in Spanish is one of the quickest ways to unlock real-world conversations. The direct translation is ¿Qué es eso?, which you'll use when pointing to an object close to the person you're speaking with or sitting between you and them. If the object is far away from both of you, native speakers switch to ¿Qué es aquello?. Mastering these two core expressions allows you to navigate markets, clarify restaurant menus, and build your vocabulary on the fly without fumbling for a dictionary.
Beyond memorizing a single line, context dictates how you ask questions about objects, actions, and distant items. Spanish demonstrative pronouns change based on physical distance, mirroring English distinctions like this, that, and that over there. This guide breaks down the precise variations, pronunciation tips, regional quirks, and common phrasing traps so you can communicate clearly in any Spanish-speaking environment.
The Core Translation: ¿Qué es eso? and ¿Qué es aquello?
When you spot something unfamiliar and need a label, your default choice is ¿Qué es eso?. Pronounced keh ehs eh-so, it translates literally to "What is that?".
Spanish uses distance-based demonstratives. Understanding the layout helps you pick the right word instantly:
- Esto (This): Used for items right in your hand or touching you. (¿Qué es esto? - What is this?)
- Eso (That): Used for items near the person you are talking to, or in their personal space. (¿Qué es eso? - What is that?)
- Aquello (That over there): Used for objects far away from both speakers, such as a building across the street or a mountain peak. (¿Qué es aquello? - What is that over there?)
If you're browsing an open-air market in Mexico City and point to an unfamiliar fruit on a vendor's table just inches from them, ¿Qué es eso? is spot on. If you're pointing at a distant landmark on a hike in Costa Rica, ¿Qué es aquello? sounds completely natural.
Pluralizing Your Questions: What Are Those?
Objects rarely appear alone. If you need to ask about multiple items, you have to shift the verb and pronouns to their plural forms.
- What are those? (near them): ¿Qué son esos? (masculine) or ¿Qué son esas? (feminine).
- What are those over there? (far away): ¿Qué son aquellos? (masculine) or ¿Qué son aquellas? (feminine).
For example, if you see several unusual tools on a workbench, you'd ask, ¿Qué son esas herramientas? (What are those tools?). Matching the gender of the noun ensures your speech sounds polished and precise.
Asking About Specific Items: Adding Nouns
Sometimes pointing and asking "what is that?" isn't specific enough. You might want to ask about a specific object by name. Instead of saying eso, you replace it with a noun.
- What is this dish? — ¿Qué es este plato?
- What is that building? — ¿Qué es aquel edificio?
- What color is that? — ¿Qué color es eso?
According to linguistic resources from institutions like the Real Academia Española, demonstrative adjectives (este, ese, aquel) match the gender and number of the noun they modify, giving you absolute control over your descriptions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Language learners often stumble over a few predictable hurdles when asking about objects in Spanish. Avoiding these errors keeps your communication smooth:
- Confusing Qué and Cuál: Beginners often try to say ¿Cuál es eso?. In Spanish, qué is used when asking for a definition or identification ("What is it?"), while cuál implies selection among options ("Which one is it?"). Always stick to qué when identifying an unknown object.
- Forgetting Written Accent Marks: The interrogative word qué always requires an accent mark. Without it (que), the word functions as a conjunction meaning "that" or "than".
- Dropping Question Marks: Spanish punctuation requires an inverted question mark at the beginning of the sentence (¿) and a standard one at the end (?). While digital chatting often drops them, formal writing and clear grammar rely on them.
Real-World Scenarios
To see how these phrases work outside the classroom, picture three common travel situations:
- At a Restaurant: You spot a local specialty on a neighboring table and want to order it. You lean toward your server and ask, ¿Qué es eso que están comiendo? (What is that they are eating?).
- At a Hardware Store: You're holding a replacement part and need to confirm its name. You look at the clerk and ask, ¿Cómo se llama esto? (What is this called?).
- During a City Tour: You look up at an old monument in the distance and ask your guide, ¿Qué es aquello en la plaza? (What is that over there in the square?).
For official guidelines on Spanish grammar and regional variations, consult the Instituto Cervantes, which standardizes Spanish language education worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between eso and aquello?
Eso refers to something close to the person you are talking to, or an abstract concept just mentioned. Aquello refers to something physically distant from both speakers, usually out of arm's reach.
Can I just say "Qué es?" without the pronoun?
In casual conversation, yes. Native speakers frequently drop eso when pointing directly at an object because the gesture makes the target obvious. However, adding eso provides clarity.
How do I ask "What is this called?" instead?
You can ask ¿Cómo se llama esto? (literally "What is this called?"). This phrase is often more polite and natural when inquiring about food, plants, or household items.
Is ¿Qué es eso? considered rude?
Not at all. It is a completely neutral, standard phrase. If you want to be extra polite in a formal setting, you can add disculpe (excuse me) to the beginning: Disculpe, ¿qué es eso?.
