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Spanish Phrase

¿Qué salida tengo que tomar?

/ke ˈsa.li.ða ˈteŋ.go ke toˈmaɾ/
Meaning"Which exit do I have to take?"
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Meaning

The speaker is asking which specific exit they need to take, usually in a building, airport, or any place with multiple ways out. It implies that the speaker needs guidance to reach a destination.

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When to use

Use this question when you are in a location with several exits and you need directions—e.g., in a subway station, a shopping mall, an airport, or a large office complex.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Quésalidatengoquetomar

1

Qué (interrogative)

Used to ask for specific information; in questions it is placed at the beginning and carries an accent.

2

salida (noun)

A feminine noun meaning 'exit' or 'way out'. It agrees with the article 'la' (implied) and any adjectives.

3

tengo que (periphrastic verb)

A construction meaning 'have to / must'. It combines the verb 'tener' in present indicative with the infinitive that follows.

4

tomar (infinitive)

The infinitive verb meaning 'to take'. After 'tener que' it expresses the action that is required.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Qué salida tengo que tomar para llegar a la puerta 5?

Which exit do I have to take to get to gate 5?

Toma la salida a la derecha y sigue las señales hacia la puerta 5.

Take the exit on the right and follow the signs toward gate 5.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • ¿Cuál salida tengo que tomar?

    In this context 'cuál' is also acceptable, but 'qué' is more natural when asking for a specific thing.

  • ¿Qué salida tengo tomar?

    Do not drop the 'que' after 'tengo'; it is required for the periphrastic meaning.

  • ¿Qué salida tengo que ir?

    Avoid using 'ir' here; 'tomar' is the idiomatic verb for 'take an exit'.

↔Alternatives

  • ¿Cuál es la salida que debo tomar?

    Which is the exit I should take?

  • ¿Qué salida debo usar?

    Which exit should I use?

  • ¿Por cuál salida paso?

    Through which exit do I go?

es

Cultural Tip

In many Spanish‑speaking countries the word 'salida' appears on signs together with arrows. When you hear 'tomar la salida', people literally mean 'to take the exit' as you would in English. In formal contexts you might hear 'la salida de emergencia' for emergency exits, so be aware of the setting before using the phrase.