If you’re learning Spanish, knowing how to say “Where are you from” in Spanish is a must for starting meaningful conversations. This simple question helps you learn about others, their background, and where they come from.

The most common way to ask it is “¿De dónde eres?” when speaking informally, or “¿De dónde es usted?” in formal situations.

Understanding how to say “Where are you from” in Spanish also helps you sound more natural and polite while meeting new people in Spanish-speaking environments.
You’ll hear this phrase often in conversations with locals, tourists, and even in classrooms. Mastering it opens the door to deeper cultural exchange and friendly dialogue.

1. ¿De dónde eres?

Meaning: Where are you from? (Informal)

Example:
👤 Persona A: Hola, me llamo Carla. ¿De dónde eres?
👤 Persona B: Soy de Colombia. ¿Y tú?

Origin/Use:
This is the most standard and widely taught version in informal settings. Use it with people your age or those you’re close to.

2. ¿De dónde es usted?

Meaning: Where are you from? (Formal)

Example:
👤 Persona A: Buenas tardes, señor. ¿De dónde es usted?
👤 Persona B: Soy de Perú. Mucho gusto.

Origin/Use:
Used in formal situations, especially when addressing elders, professionals, or strangers respectfully. Common across Latin America and Spain.

3. ¿De qué país eres?

Meaning: What country are you from?

Example:
👤 Persona A: ¡Qué acento tan bonito! ¿De qué país eres?
👤 Persona B: Gracias. Soy de Chile.

Origin/Use:
Adds specificity by asking about nationality or country rather than city or region.

4. ¿Cuál es tu país de origen?

Meaning: What is your country of origin?

Example:
👤 Persona A: Antes de continuar con la entrevista, ¿cuál es tu país de origen?
👤 Persona B: Soy de Venezuela.

Origin/Use:
More formal or administrative. You might hear this in official paperwork or interviews.

5. ¿De dónde vienes?

Meaning: Where do you come from?

Example:
👤 Persona A: ¡Hola! Parece que estás de viaje. ¿De dónde vienes?
👤 Persona B: Vengo de México.

Origin/Use:
Used more in the sense of “where have you arrived from” – often used while traveling.

6. ¿Eres de por aquí?

Meaning: Are you from around here?

Example:
👤 Persona A: Hola, no te había visto antes. ¿Eres de por aquí?
👤 Persona B: No, soy de otra ciudad.

Origin/Use:
Casual and local; used when you’re curious if someone is a local or a visitor.

7. ¿Dónde naciste?

Meaning: Where were you born?

Example:
👤 Persona A: Tienes un nombre interesante. ¿Dónde naciste?
👤 Persona B: Nací en Argentina.

Origin/Use:
Focuses on birthplace rather than current residence. Used in both formal and casual situations.

8. ¿Dónde creciste?

Meaning: Where did you grow up?

Example:
👤 Persona A: ¿Dónde creciste? Tienes una mezcla de acentos.
👤 Persona B: En España, pero viví un tiempo en México.

Origin/Use:
Good for getting to know someone more personally. Not strictly asking about nationality, but origin and background.

9. ¿De qué parte eres?

Meaning: What part (of a place) are you from?

Example:
👤 Persona A: ¡Ah, eres de México! ¿De qué parte eres?
👤 Persona B: De Guadalajara.

Origin/Use:
Used after you know the country—now asking about the region or city.

10. ¿De dónde sos?

Meaning: Where are you from? (Argentina/Uruguay informal)

Example:
👤 Persona A: Hola, ¿de dónde sos?
👤 Persona B: Soy de Rosario.

Origin/Use:
“Sos” is used in place of “eres” in Rioplatense Spanish (mainly Argentina and Uruguay).

11. ¿Tú de dónde eres?

Meaning: And you, where are you from?

Example:
👤 Persona A: Yo soy de Lima. ¿Tú de dónde eres?
👤 Persona B: De Bogotá.

Origin/Use:
Used for emphasis or follow-up in a conversation. Very natural in spoken Spanish.

12. ¿De qué ciudad vienes?

Meaning: What city are you from?

Example:
👤 Persona A: ¡Qué interesante tu acento! ¿De qué ciudad vienes?
👤 Persona B: De Sevilla.

Origin/Use:
Specific to asking about cities, especially when you already know the country.

13. ¿Tú no eres de aquí, verdad?

Meaning: You’re not from here, right?

Example:
👤 Persona A: Tú no eres de aquí, ¿verdad?
👤 Persona B: No, soy de Honduras. ¿Y tú?

Origin/Use:
Very casual and observational. Often said when someone stands out due to accent or appearance.

14. ¿Dónde vives originalmente?

Meaning: Where do you originally live?

Example:
👤 Persona A: Sabes mucho de la cultura local. ¿Dónde vives originalmente?
👤 Persona B: En Ecuador, pero he viajado bastante.

Origin/Use:
Used when someone has moved or is living abroad. Good for expats or travelers.

15. ¿Cuál es tu tierra natal?

Meaning: What is your homeland?

Example:
👤 Persona A: Me encanta tu comida. ¿Cuál es tu tierra natal?
👤 Persona B: ¡Gracias! Soy de Oaxaca.

Origin/Use:
Poetic or sentimental; used to express pride in one’s homeland or roots.

Conclusion:

Now that you know how to say “Where are you from” in Spanish, you’re ready to start conversations and connect with Spanish speakers on a more personal level.

Whether you use “¿De dónde eres?” for informal situations or “¿De dónde es usted?” for formal ones, this phrase is a key part of everyday communication. It shows interest, respect, and curiosity about the other person’s background.
Keep practicing how to say “Where are you from” in Spanish to build your confidence and make your Spanish interactions more natural and engaging.
With this simple question, you open the door to friendship, culture, and deeper conversation.