How to Say ‘What kind of tamales were they?’ in Mexican Spanish
¿De qué eran los tamales?
deh keh EH-rahn lohs tah-MAH-lehs
[deh keh EH-rahn lohs tah-MAH-lehs]
💬 Usage Tip: ¿De qué...? asks what something is made of or filled with. Swap in other foods: ¿De qué son los tacos? "What kind of tacos are they?"
Phrase Breakdown
¿De qué eran
deh keh EH-rahn
What kind were
'De qué' asks about the filling or flavor. Blend the words smoothly: 'deh KEH EH-ran'.
¿De qué eran los tacos?
What kind were the tacos?
Words in this phrase
De
[deh]
of
A preposition that links nouns, often meaning “of” or “about.”
En «cultura de trabajo», «de» conecta las dos ideas.
In “work culture,” “de” connects the two ideas.
qué
[keh]
what
An interrogative word used in questions to ask for specific information.
Uso «qué» para hacer una pregunta clara.
I use “what” to ask a clear question.
eran
[EH-rahn]
were
Imperfect of ser for 'they', describing things in the past.
Las flores eran amarillas.
The flowers were yellow.
los tamales?
lohs tah-MAH-lehs
the tamales?
Stress the middle syllable: 'los ta-MA-les'. Raise your voice at the end for the question.
Me gustan los tamales.
I like tamales.
Words in this phrase
los
[lohs]
the
Definite article used to refer to a specific person or thing recognized by the speakers.
Los niños están en el parque.
The children are in the park.
tamales
[tah-MAH-lehs]
tamales
Corn dough filled with meat or other fillings, wrapped in a husk and steamed.
Mi abuela prepara tamales en Navidad.
My grandmother makes tamales at Christmas.
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