'What are they?' translates to Spanish as '¿Qué son?'. This phrase is commonly used when asking about the identity or nature of people, animals, objects, or concepts. For instance, if you see a group of unfamiliar animals and want to know what they are called, you might say, 'Mira esos animales. ¿Qué son?' The response could be specific—like identifying them as duckbills ('son ornitorrincos')—or more general depending on the context.
In addition to this straightforward translation, there are other variations based on different contexts. If you're curious about their actions or behavior instead of just their identity, you'd use '¿Qué están haciendo?', which means 'What are they doing?'. This flexibility allows for rich conversations in both English and Spanish.
Consider another example: if someone asks about a group’s plans or intentions regarding an event or task, you might hear questions like ‘¿Qué van a hacer?’ (What are they going to do?). Each variation captures nuances that reflect curiosity not only about existence but also about activities and purposes.
When learning these phrases in Spanish—or any language—it helps to immerse yourself in real-life scenarios where such questions arise. Whether it's during travel conversations with locals or while watching films in Spanish-speaking countries, practice makes perfect! Understanding how these simple yet powerful phrases work can significantly enhance your communication skills.