Spanish · A2 · Everyday language
Little Things to Check in Spanish
In Spanish, we use indirect questions to check information gently. Instead of asking 'Is your lunchbox in your bag?', we say 'I wonder if...' This makes the conversation softer and less like an interrogation. We primarily use the word 'si' to translate both 'if' and 'whether'.
What you'll learn
- Form indirect questions using 'si' (if/whether)
- Express uncertainty with 'No sé' and 'Me pregunto'
- Politely ask others to check information
Spanish phrases for little things to check
Me pregunto si tu fiambrera está en tu mochila.
I wonder whether your lunchbox is in your bag.
'Me pregunto' means 'I wonder'. 'Fiambrera' is a common word for lunchbox.
No sé si el fútbol empieza a las cuatro.
I do not know whether football starts at four.
'No sé' is the standard way to say 'I do not know'.
Por favor, pregunta si Mia puede venir.
Please ask whether Mia can come over.
'Pregunta' is the imperative (command) form for 'ask'.
Me pregunto si necesitas tu libro de lectura hoy.
I wonder whether you need your reading book today.
Notice how 'si' connects the two parts of the sentence.
Por favor, pregunta si los deberes son para mañana.
Please ask whether the homework is for tomorrow.
'Deberes' is the plural word for homework in many Spanish-speaking regions.
No sé si tus zapatillas todavía te quedan bien.
I do not know whether your trainers still fit.
'Quedar bien' is the expression used for clothes or shoes fitting.
Me pregunto si tu diente todavía está flojo.
I wonder whether your tooth is still loose.
'Flojo' is used here to describe a loose tooth.
Por favor, pregunta si podemos usar el patio.
Please ask whether we can use the playground.
'Patio' refers to the playground or courtyard area at a school.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
si
if / whether
Used to introduce indirect yes/no questions.
me pregunto
I wonder
Reflexive verb 'preguntarse' used for self-questioning.
fiambrera
lunchbox
Can also be called 'lonchera' in some Latin American countries.
todavía
still / yet
Used to indicate a continuing state.
Indirect Questions with 'Si'
Unlike English, which uses 'whether' or 'if', Spanish simply uses 'si'. These clauses follow verbs of questioning or doubt. The word order usually remains the same as a statement.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I wonder if... | Me pregunto si + [clause] | Me pregunto si tienes hambre. |
| I don't know if... | No sé si + [clause] | No sé si viene el autobús. |
| Ask if... | Pregunta si + [clause] | Pregunta si hay agua. |
More examples
No sé si el gato está afuera.
I don't know if the cat is outside.
Uses 'no sé' to express uncertainty.
Pregunta si tienen manzanas.
Ask if they have apples.
A polite request for information.
Me pregunto si hoy hay clase.
I wonder whether there is class today.
A gentle way to check the schedule.