Spanish Phrase
¿Cuántos invitados vamos a tener?
Meaning
This question asks about the expected number of guests for an upcoming event, using the periphrastic future to indicate a future situation. It literally translates to 'How many guests are we going to have?'.
When to use
Use this phrase when planning parties, weddings, meetings, or any gathering where you need to know the headcount for catering, seating, or logistics.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cuántosinvitadosvamosatener?
Cuántos (interrogative adjective)
Cuántos agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies; here it is masculine plural to match 'invitados'.
Invitados (noun)
Masculine plural noun meaning 'guests' or 'invitees'.
Vamos a + infinitive (periphrastic future)
The construction 'vamos a + infinitive' expresses a near future action, similar to 'we are going to …'.
Tener (infinitive)
The infinitive 'tener' means 'to have' and is used here to talk about the number of guests we will have.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuántos invitados vamos a tener?
How many guests are we going to have?
Creo que alrededor de veinte, pero mejor confirmar con la lista.
I think around twenty, but we should confirm with the list.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Cuántas invitados vamos a tener?
The adjective must agree with the masculine plural noun 'invitados', so use 'cuántos'.
¿Cuántos invitados seremos?
Use 'vamos a' + infinitive for future plans; 'seremos' (to be) does not convey possession.
¿Cuántos invitados vamos a tendremos?
While 'tendremos' is a correct simple future, mixing it with 'vamos a' is redundant.
↔Alternatives
¿Cuántas personas asistirán?
How many people will attend?
¿Cuántos invitados tendremos?
How many guests will we have?
¿Cuántas personas vamos a invitar?
How many people are we going to invite?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, asking about the number of guests is essential for arranging food, seating, and even the size of the venue. It's common to give a rough estimate first and then refine the number as RSVPs come in. When speaking formally (e.g., with a client or elder), you might use '¿Cuántos invitados tendremos?' instead of the more colloquial '¿Cuántos invitados vamos a tener?'.