How do you say
Use this to ask for the meaning of a Spanish word you hear or read. Translates to 'What does... mean?'.
Use this to ask how a word is spelled. Translates to 'How is... written/spelled?'.
Use this when pointing to an object to ask for its name in Spanish. Translates to 'What is this called?'.
Excuse me, how do you say 'library' in Spanish?
I heard the word 'chévere'. What does it mean?
(Pointing to a plate of food) Mmm, what is this called?
Teacher, how do you spell 'murciélago'? It's a difficult word.
The phrase '¿Cómo se dice...?' is the universal standard across all Spanish-speaking countries. It is understood and used everywhere, making it the most reliable phrase for a learner.
While '¿Cómo se dice...?' is perfectly common, you might hear Spaniards use the 'vosotros' form when speaking to a group of friends: '¿Cómo decís...?'. However, as a learner asking a question, '¿Cómo se dice...?' is always correct.
The phrase itself does not change. It's very common to hear 'che' added to the beginning in informal conversation, as in 'Che, ¿cómo se dice...?'. This is a colloquial marker and doesn't change the meaning.
There are no significant variations. '¿Cómo se dice...?' is the standard and most common way to ask this question.
Using '¿Cómo tú dices...?' — English speakers often translate 'How do you say...' directly. However, Spanish uses the impersonal 'se' construction for this general question. '¿Cómo se dice?' is like asking 'How is it said?'. — “¿Cómo tú dices 'apple'?” — “¿Cómo se dice 'manzana'?”
Confusing 'decir' (to say) with 'hablar' (to speak). — 'Decir' is used for specific words or phrases, while 'hablar' is for the general act of speaking a language. You 'say' a word, but you 'speak' Spanish. — “¿Cómo se habla 'computer'?” — “¿Cómo se dice 'computadora'?”
Using '¿Qué es...?' for translation. — '¿Qué es...?' asks for a definition or explanation ('What is...?'). '¿Cómo se dice...?' asks for a translation. Asking '¿Qué es 'book'?' sounds like you're asking for the philosophical definition of a book. — “¿Qué es 'book' en español?” — “¿Cómo se dice 'book' en español?”
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