What's wrong?
A more personal version, asking someone directly what is bothering them. Literally 'What do you have?'.
A direct way to ask 'What is the problem?'. Use this for situations, not just feelings.
A softer, more indirect way to ask. It means 'Everything okay?' and invites the person to share if something is wrong.
You look sad. What's wrong?
You're not answering my messages. What's wrong with you?
The car won't start. What is the problem?
You're very quiet today. Is everything okay?
'¿Qué pasa?' is the most universal and common phrase. '¿Qué tienes?' is also extremely frequent when asking a person directly.
In Spain, while '¿Qué pasa?' is very common, you will also hear '¿Qué ocurre?'. It means the same thing ('What's happening?') but is slightly more formal.
Both '¿Qué pasa?' and '¿Qué tienes?' are the standard, everyday phrases used in these countries, with '¿Qué pasa?' being slightly more general.
'¿Qué pasa?' is common. You will also frequently hear the more direct '¿Qué te pasa?', often used with 'vos' ('¿Qué te pasa a vos?').
Using '¿Qué es incorrecto?'. This is a direct translation of 'What is incorrect?'. It sounds like you're asking about a test answer, not a person's feelings. Always use '¿Qué pasa?' or '¿Qué tienes?' instead.
Saying '¿Qué está mal?'. This translates to 'What is bad?'. While you can use it for objects (e.g., '¿Qué está mal con el televisor?'), it sounds harsh and unnatural when asking a person. '¿Qué tienes?' is much more empathetic.
Confusing '¿Qué pasa?' with '¿Qué pasó?'. '¿Qué pasa?' (present tense) is for an ongoing situation ('What's wrong right now?'). '¿Qué pasó?' (past tense) is for a completed event ('What happened?'). If you see someone crying, you ask '¿Qué pasa?'.
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how to say can i help you in spanish
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