Spanish Phrase
¿Qué quieres ser?
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to ask someone about their future career or life aspirations. It uses the verb 'querer' (to want) followed by the infinitive 'ser' (to be) to inquire about a permanent identity or profession.
When to use
It is most commonly used when speaking to children about their dreams or to students regarding their career paths. It is also suitable for casual conversations between friends about long-term goals.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Quéquieresser?
Querer (quieres)
The verb 'querer' is a stem-changing verb where the 'e' changes to 'ie'. Here it is conjugated for the informal 'tú'.
Ser (Infinitive)
When a verb follows a conjugated verb like 'quieres', it must stay in the infinitive form.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué quieres ser cuando termines la universidad?
What do you want to be when you finish university?
Quiero ser arquitecto.
I want to be an architect.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Qué quieres estar?
In Spanish, 'ser' is used for professions and permanent identities, while 'estar' is for temporary states or locations.
¿Qué quieres eres?
When two verbs are used together in this context, the second verb must remain in the infinitive form (ser) rather than being conjugated (eres).
↔Alternatives
¿A qué te quieres dedicar?
What do you want to dedicate yourself to?
¿Cuál es tu profesión ideal?
What is your ideal profession?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking about future professions is a common social icebreaker. When answering this question, remember that Spanish speakers typically do not use an indefinite article (un/una) before the profession unless it is modified by an adjective.