Is it right to answer something with no está + qué pasa?

Question

For example, if someone ask dónde está Johnny?, but Johnny is not in, is it right to reply no está, qué pasa?

Can I give the same reply in person, over the phone and on skype chat?

Or how would Spanish speakers typically reply?

Any advice with be great, gracias.

Welcome to the forum! - NikkiLR, Jan 18, 2014

Answer 1

Summernicole the simplest answer I can give you is: it is perfectly right. The typical and short answer is: no esta. If you are curious about the reason someone is looking for him just add que pasa?, exactly as you did. I hope you find this answer helpful.

Nice answer :) - Kiwi-Girl, Jan 19, 2014

Answer 2

I have heard a simple "No está." in reply to such a question.

Yes, it's the most common answer. Unless he's gone somewhere interesting, in which case you might mention where. - annierats, Jan 18, 2014

Answer 3

A: ¿Johnny está?

B: Johnny no está. Se fue ayer. ( He left yesterday)

A, ¿Porque? ¿Que pasó? ( Why? What happened?)

You could use ' Que pasa?' what's going on? - annierats, Jan 18, 2014

Se fue ayer, Annie. - chileno, Jan 18, 2014

Oh, thanks,Chileno. I'll alter it. - annierats, Jan 19, 2014

Answer 4

"Where is Johny?" "He isn't. What's up?"

I would say "No está aquí.".

The here/aquí is normally just understood in Spanish and it sounds a bit strange to say it, a simple no está is much better ;). The same with asking the question, ¿está Juan? Is John here? - Kiwi-Girl, Jan 19, 2014

Answer 5

I would say Johny ahora mismo no esta aquí. But as mentioned it depends on the circumstances there are many variations as in English.

Answer 6

nothing wrong with that answer but depends who you are talking to? as chileno said, depends on the circumstances.

Answer 7

It all depends.

Would you answer like that in all circumstances in English?