The word “qué” functions primarily as an interrogative pronoun and can also be used as an exclamatory word.
/ke/
“Qué” is a versatile word in Spanish that is mainly used to ask questions or to express a strong reaction. It is often used in both oral and written contexts, but it tends to be more frequently encountered in spoken language, especially in conversational settings. Its frequent use in exclamatory phrases showcases surprise, emotion, or emphasis.
¿Qué estás haciendo?
What are you doing?
¡Qué bonito es este lugar!
How beautiful this place is!
¿Qué dices?
What are you saying?
“Qué” is a key component of many idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are a few notable examples:
¡Qué hambre!
How hungry I am!
¡Qué pena!
What a pity!
¡Qué suerte!
What luck!
¡Qué desastre!
What a disaster!
¡Qué miedo!
How scary!
The word “qué” originates from Latin, specifically from the word "quod," which means "what." Over time, it evolved in the Romance languages, maintaining its function as an interrogative pronoun.
Synonyms: - Cuál (which, when used in selections) - Qué cosa (what thing)
Antonyms: - There are no direct antonyms for “qué” since it is primarily interrogative or exclamatory, but in contexts asking for clarification or specifics, you might use terms like nada (nothing) when denying or negating something.
This comprehensive overview of "qué" illustrates its significance and versatility in the Spanish language, making it an essential word for various forms of communication.