"Que" used before words/phrases

Question

I notice quite frequent use of what appear to be unecessary 'que's, for example:

¡Que no te muevas!

¡Que sí!

¡Que no!

They do add a little something to the feeling of what is being said, certainly, and I can only think that in English we would have to use a few words to translate it, something like 'I said, don't move!' or maybe 'Of course, yes' etc.

I only know this from Spanish tv - is it used in other countries too?

Would it sound weird for a non-native to use it?

Gracias de antemano, compas de SD

Answer 1

I think that sometimes there are unspoken words before the "que." Note that these words may also be the reason that the verb is in the subjunctive mood.

¡(Quiero) Qué no te muevas!

¡(Ojalá) Qué sí!

¡(Por) (Espero) Qué no!

¡(Ojalá) Que tengas un buen día!

All those "que" are pronounced unstressed and written without the accent. - lazarus1907, Nov 1, 2010

That's what I was trying to 'pin down', Marianne, the unspoken words! Well expressed as always. :) - galsally, Nov 2, 2010

Thanks Lazarus, will correct mine. :) - galsally, Nov 2, 2010

Answer 2

I think that I can use the rest of my life to figure out all of the appropriate ways to use "que."

Here is a link from the dictionary on this website.

In addition to the uses it lists, is also, "how," as in "que bonita!" or "how pretty!"

Cool link, thank you Joyce! - galsally, Nov 2, 2010

Answer 3

I am absolutely sure it would not sound weird for a non-native speaker to use it. The more you speak like a native the better!

Thanks Joel! - galsally, Nov 2, 2010