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QUICK ANSWER
"Yes" is an interjection which is often translated as "sí", and "Why do you ask?" is a phrase which is often translated as "¿Por qué preguntas?". Learn more about the difference between "yes" and "Why do you ask?" below.
yes(
yehs
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
Why do you ask?(
way
du
yu
ahsk
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. ¿Por qué preguntas? (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Are you feeling OK? - Yes. Why do you ask?¿Te sientes bien? - Sí. ¿Por qué preguntas?
b. ¿Por qué pregunta? (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Where were you on the night of the 14th? - I think I was at home, officer. Why do you ask?¿Dónde estaba usted la noche del 14? - Creo que estaba en casa, agente. ¿Por qué pregunta?
a. ¿Por qué preguntan? (plural)
Can we stay at the party until after midnight? - Why do you ask? You already know that the answer is no.¿Podemos quedarnos en la fiesta hasta después de la medianoche? - ¿Por qué preguntan? Ya saben que la respuesta es no.
