Chapter 14 — Light Questions
Personal but not intrusive topics.
Light questions keep conversation flowing without being too personal or too boring. They're personal enough to build connection but not so deep that they feel intrusive. Use them when the conversation is going well and you want to learn more about her.
About Her Background
Spanish: ¿Qué te trajo a [ciudad]?
Word-by-word: What to-you brought to [city]?
Natural English: What brought you to [city]?
When to use: Early in conversation, after learning she's not from here.
Her possible replies:
- "Trabajo aquí" (I work here) → You: "¿En qué trabajas?" (What do you work in?)
- "Estudio aquí" (I study here) → You: "¿Qué estudias?" (What do you study?)
- "Me mudé hace poco" (I moved recently) → You: "¿Te gusta?" (Do you like it?)
About Her Interests
Spanish: ¿Qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre?
Word-by-word: What to-you it-likes to-do in your time free?
Natural English: What do you like to do in your free time?
When to use: When you want to learn about her hobbies or interests.
Her possible replies:
- "Me gusta leer" (I like to read) → You: "¿Qué tipo de libros?" (What kind of books?)
- "Salgo con amigos" (I go out with friends) → You: "¿A dónde suelen ir?" (Where do you usually go?)
- "Hago deporte" (I do sports) → You: "¿Qué deporte?" (What sport?)
About Her Work or Studies
Spanish: ¿A qué te dedicas?
Word-by-word: To what yourself you-dedicate?
Natural English: What do you do?
When to use: Natural question about her profession or studies.
Her possible replies:
- "Soy [profesión]" (I'm a [profession]) → You: "¿Te gusta?" (Do you like it?)
- "Estudio [carrera]" (I study [major]) → You: "¿Por qué elegiste eso?" (Why did you choose that?)
- "Trabajo en [campo]" (I work in [field]) → You: "¿Desde hace cuánto?" (For how long?)
About Her Experience in the City
Spanish: ¿Qué te gusta más de [ciudad]?
Word-by-word: What to-you it-likes more of [city]?
Natural English: What do you like most about [city]?
When to use: When she's local or has been there a while.
Her possible replies:
- "La comida" (The food) → You: "¿Dónde recomiendas comer?" (Where do you recommend eating?)
- "La gente" (The people) → You: "¿En qué sentido?" (In what sense?)
- "El ambiente" (The atmosphere) → You: "¿Qué lugares te gustan más?" (What places do you like most?)
About Her Travels
Spanish: ¿Has viajado mucho?
Word-by-word: Have-you traveled much?
Natural English: Have you traveled much?
When to use: When travel comes up naturally in conversation.
Her possible replies:
- "Sí, bastante" (Yes, quite a bit) → You: "¿Cuál ha sido tu lugar favorito?" (What's been your favorite place?)
- "No mucho" (Not much) → You: "¿Hay algún lugar que te gustaría visitar?" (Is there a place you'd like to visit?)
- "Solo por Europa" (Only around Europe) → You: "¿Qué país te gustó más?" (What country did you like most?)
About Her Music or Culture
Spanish: ¿Qué música te gusta?
Word-by-word: What music to-you it-likes?
Natural English: What music do you like?
When to use: When music comes up or you want a light topic.
Her possible replies:
- "Me gusta [género]" (I like [genre]) → You: "¿Tienes algún artista favorito?" (Do you have a favorite artist?)
- "De todo un poco" (A bit of everything) → You: "¿Qué estás escuchando ahora?" (What are you listening to now?)
- "No mucho" (Not much) → You: "¿Prefieres otra cosa?" (Do you prefer something else?)
Key Points
- Ask one question at a time—don't rapid-fire questions
- Listen to her answers and build on them
- Share something about yourself too—conversation is two-way
- If she gives short answers, she might not want to talk—respect that
- If she asks you questions back, that's a good sign
- Don't ask personal questions (family, relationship status) too early
- Keep questions light and positive—avoid negative topics