Spanish · A2 · Everyday language
Do you know where? in Spanish
Indirect questions are a polite way to ask for information by embedding a question inside a statement or a lead-in phrase. In Spanish, these are very common for sounding gentle and natural.
What you'll learn
- Formulate indirect questions using lead-in phrases
- Correctly use accents on question words (dónde, cuándo, qué)
- Turn direct questions into softer requests for help
Spanish phrases for do you know where?
¿Sabes dónde está la llave?
Do you know where the key is?
A polite way to ask for location without being too blunt.
¿Puedes decirme cuándo nos vamos?
Can you tell me when we leave?
Using 'puedes decirme' (can you tell me) makes the request softer.
Muéstrame cómo funciona este juego.
Show me how this game works.
'Muéstrame' is the imperative (command) form, but sounds helpful here.
No sé por qué está sonando el timbre.
I don't know why the bell is ringing.
'Por qué' (why) is two words with an accent when used in a question or indirect question.
¿Sabes quién viene hoy?
Do you know who is coming today?
Remember the accent on 'quién'.
Dime qué necesitas para esto.
Tell me what you need for this.
'Dime' is a very common way to start an indirect question in daily parenting.
Me pregunto cuánto cuesta esto.
I wonder how much this costs.
'Me pregunto' is the perfect phrase for 'I wonder'.
¿Puedes decirme dónde debo esperar?
Can you tell me where I should wait?
Notice 'dónde' keeps its accent mark in the middle of the sentence.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
dónde
where
Needs an accent mark in all types of questions.
cuándo
when
Used for asking about time.
cómo
how
Describes the manner or way something happens.
qué
what
Used to ask for specific information or objects.
Indirect Question Structure
In Spanish, indirect questions maintain an accent on the question word (interrogative pronoun). Unlike some languages, the word order usually remains quite similar to the direct question, though the subject often follows the verb.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Direct | ¿Dónde está? | Where is it? |
| Indirect | No sé dónde está. | I don't know where it is. |
| Lead-in | ¿Sabes...? | Do you know...? |
More examples
No recuerdo dónde puse mi bolso.
I don't remember where I put my bag.
Another way to express missing information.
¿Me dices qué hora es?
Can you tell me what time it is?
A very common colloquial way to ask for the time.