Spanish Phrase
¿Qué lleva este plato?
Meaning
This phrase is used to inquire about the ingredients or components of a particular dish. It literally translates to "What does this dish carry?" or "What does this dish take?", but in context, it means "What's in this dish?". It's a very common and natural way to ask about food contents in Spanish-speaking countries.
When to use
You'll use this phrase most often in restaurants, cafes, or when looking at a menu to understand what a dish consists of. It's also useful when cooking with others or discussing recipes to ask about the ingredients. It's a polite and direct way to get information about food.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Quéllevaesteplato?
Qué
'Qué' means 'what' and is used to ask for information about something. Remember to use the accent mark when it's an interrogative pronoun.
Llevar
The verb 'llevar' means 'to carry' or 'to take', but in the context of food, it means 'to contain' or 'to have as an ingredient'. It's the most natural verb to use when asking about a dish's components.
Este
'Este' is a masculine singular demonstrative adjective meaning 'this'. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, which in this case is 'plato'.
Plato
'Plato' is a masculine noun meaning 'dish' or 'plate'. It refers to the food item itself, not just the physical plate.
🗨In Conversation
¡Hola! Me interesa el 'Plato del día'. ¿Qué lleva este plato?
Hello! I'm interested in the 'Dish of the Day'. What does this dish have?
Lleva pollo asado, arroz con verduras y una salsa de mango.
It has roasted chicken, rice with vegetables, and a mango sauce.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Qué es este plato?
Using 'es' (from 'ser') asks for the identity of the dish, not its ingredients. This would mean 'What is this dish?' (e.g., 'Is it soup or salad?').
¿Qué tiene este plato?
While 'tener' (to have) is understandable, 'llevar' is more idiomatic and natural when referring to the ingredients a dish contains. 'Tiene' is not strictly wrong but less common for this specific context.
↔Alternatives
¿Qué ingredientes tiene este plato?
What ingredients does this dish have?
¿De qué está hecho este plato?
What is this dish made of?
¿Qué contiene este plato?
What does this dish contain?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, food is a central part of social life. Asking about ingredients is common, especially if you have dietary restrictions or allergies. Don't hesitate to ask, as restaurant staff are generally accustomed to these questions. It's also a way to show interest in local cuisine. Be aware that some traditional dishes might have unexpected ingredients, so asking is always a good idea!