Question Words

1. Zer?

   What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

2. Non?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

3. Noiz?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Nor?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

5. Zergatik?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

6. Nola?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

7. Zenbat?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

   Grammar Note

   "Zenbat" covers both count and amount

8. Zenbat balio du?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

9. Zein?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

10. Zer da hau?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

    Grammar Note

    "Hau" means "this"; use it while pointing

11. Non dago komuna?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

    Grammar Note

    "Komuna" is the toilet; "dago" means "is located"

12. Zer ordu da?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

13. Baduzu?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

    Grammar Note

    The prefix "ba-" reinforces the affirmative; name the item first

14. Posible al da?

    Is it possible?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

    Grammar Note

    "Al" is the particle that marks a yes/no question

15. Ordaindu behar da?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

16. Doakoa da?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

17. Ongi al dago?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    For asking permission; use it with a pointing gesture

18. Ezin al da?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    For double-checking after being turned down

    Grammar Note

    The negative counterpart of "Posible al da?" (Can you do it?)

19. Ongi al zaude?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Checking on someone's wellbeing — a different role from asking permission

20. Benetan?

    Really?

    Usage

    A quick check when something surprises you

21. Ziur al zaude?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Pressing for confirmation of a fact — more formal

22. Nongoa zara?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A natural conversation opener

23. Zein da zure izena?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A natural conversation opener

24. Zenbat urte dituzu?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking a stranger's age directly, especially a woman's, can feel intrusive — best kept to close friends or children

    Grammar Note

    Literally "how many years do you have"

25. Argazki bat elkarrekin atera al dezakegu?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    For asking permission

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