Spanish Phrase
¿Qué tal a las 3?
Meaning
The speaker is proposing to meet or do something at three o’clock and is asking if that time works for the listener. It carries a friendly, informal tone.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to suggest a specific time for a meeting, a phone call, a dinner, or any activity in a casual conversation with friends, family, or close colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Quétalalas3?
Qué tal
An informal way to ask "how about..." or "what do you think of...". It can introduce a suggestion.
a las + hour
The preposition "a" + article "las" (or "la" for 1) + hour tells the time of an event.
las (plural article)
Use "las" for all hours except "la una" (1 o’clock).
Numeral vs. word
In spoken Spanish the number is said as a word (tres), but writing the digit is common in informal messages.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué tal a las 3?
How about at three?
Sí, perfecto. Nos vemos entonces.
Yes, perfect. See you then.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Qué tal a el 3?
The preposition "a" must be followed by the article "las" (or "la" for 1), not the masculine "el".
¿Qué tal las 3?
You need the preposition "a" before the time expression.
¿Que tal a las 3?
The interrogative "Qué" always carries an accent in this question.
↔Alternatives
¿Te parece bien a las tres?
Does three work for you?
¿A las tres te va bien?
Is three okay for you?
¿Quedamos a las tres?
Shall we meet at three?
¿Le conviene a las tres?
Does three suit you? (formal)
Cultural Tip
In most Spanish‑speaking countries "¿Qué tal?" is very informal, so reserve it for people you know well. For a formal setting replace it with "¿Le parece bien...?" Also remember that "a la una" (1 o’clock) uses the singular article, while all other hours use "las".