Spanish · A2 · Everyday language
Just Checking Together in Spanish
This guide helps parents use gentle, indirect questions in Spanish to check on their child's plans and responsibilities. By using 'I wonder' or 'I don't know', you can prompt your child to think without being overly demanding.
What you'll learn
- Use 'si' to translate 'whether' or 'if' in indirect questions.
- Form sentences with verbs of uncertainty like 'preguntar' (to ask) and 'no saber' (to not know).
- Encourage child independence through polite inquiry.
Spanish phrases for just checking together
Me pregunto si necesitas ayuda.
I wonder whether you need help.
'Me pregunto' is the standard way to say 'I wonder'.
No sé si viene tu amigo.
I do not know whether your friend is coming.
'Viene' is the present tense of 'venir' (to come).
Por favor, pregunta si el club empieza a las cuatro.
Please ask whether the club starts at four.
'Empieza' comes from 'empezar' (to start).
Me pregunto si tu proyecto está listo.
I wonder whether your project is ready.
'Listo' means ready; use 'está' for temporary states.
Por favor, pregunta si necesitas tus zapatillas de deporte.
Please ask whether you need your sports shoes.
'Zapatillas de deporte' is a common term for sneakers or sports shoes.
No sé si la biblioteca está abierta.
I do not know whether the library is open.
'Abierta' matches the feminine 'biblioteca'.
Me pregunto si este juego es adecuado para ti.
I wonder whether this game is suitable for you.
'Adecuado' means suitable or appropriate.
Por favor, pregunta si puedes quedarte a cenar.
Please ask whether you can stay for dinner.
'Quedarte' is the reflexive form of 'quedar' (to stay).
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Me pregunto
I wonder
Literally 'I ask myself'.
Si
If / Whether
Note that 'sí' with an accent means 'yes', but 'si' without an accent means 'if'.
Cenar
To have dinner
In Spanish, 'cenar' is a specific verb rather than 'have dinner'.
Indirect Questions with 'Si'
In Spanish, indirect yes-or-no questions are formed by using a main verb (like wonder or ask) followed by 'si'. Unlike English 'whether', 'si' is very common in daily speech. The word order following 'si' remains the same as a regular statement.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I wonder if... | Me pregunto si + [subject] + [verb] | Me pregunto si tienes hambre. |
| Ask if... | Pregunta si + [subject] + [verb] | Pregunta si hay clase hoy. |
More examples
No sé si el gato tiene comida.
I don't know whether the cat has food.
A gentle way to remind a child of their chore.
Pregunta si podemos ir al parque.
Ask whether we can go to the park.
Using the imperative 'pregunta' to give a task.