If you’re learning Spanish, you’ve probably come across ‘que’ and ‘lo que.’ These two small phrases can cause big confusion! But don’t worry—by the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to use ‘que’ vs ‘lo que’ in Spanish with confidence.
What Does ‘Que’ Mean in Spanish?
The word ‘que’ is one of the most versatile words in Spanish. It can function as a relative pronoun, a conjunction, or even an exclamation. Here are some common ways to use ‘que’:
1. ‘Que’ as a Relative Pronoun
When ‘que’ functions as a relative pronoun, it connects two clauses and means ‘that,’ ‘which,’ or ‘who.’
- La casa que compraron es hermosa.
(The house that they bought is beautiful.) - El libro que estoy leyendo es muy interesante.
(The book that I am reading is very interesting.)
2. ‘Que’ in Exclamations
‘Que’ is also used in exclamatory phrases to express surprise or emphasis.
- ¡Qué bonita es esta ciudad!
(How beautiful this city is!) - ¡Qué sorpresa verte aquí!
(What a surprise to see you here!)
3. ‘Que’ as a Conjunction
‘Que’ can function as a conjunction meaning ‘that.’
- Me dijo que vendría mañana.
(He told me that he would come tomorrow.)
What Does ‘Lo Que’ Mean in Spanish?
The phrase ‘lo que’ is slightly different from ‘que’ because it means ‘what’ or ‘that which.’ It refers to an entire idea or concept.
1. ‘Lo Que’ Referring to an Idea
‘Lo que’ is often used to introduce a noun clause that refers to something previously mentioned or understood.
- No entiendo lo que dices.
(I don’t understand what you are saying.) - Haz lo que quieras.
(Do whatever you want.)
2. ‘Lo Que’ for Emphasis
Sometimes, ‘lo que’ is used to emphasize a statement.
- Eso es exactamente lo que quería decir.
(That is exactly what I wanted to say.)
Key Differences Between ‘Que’ vs ‘Lo Que’
Now that we’ve seen how each phrase is used, let’s summarize the key differences between ‘que’ and ‘lo que’:
| Que | Lo Que |
|---|---|
| Functions as a relative pronoun or conjunction | Refers to an entire idea or concept |
| Connects two clauses | Can introduce a noun clause |
| Can mean ‘that,’ ‘which,’ or ‘who’ | Means ‘what’ or ‘that which’ |
Example Sentences Comparing ‘Que’ and ‘Lo Que’
- El coche que compré es rojo.
(The car that I bought is red.) - No entiendo lo que dijiste.
(I don’t understand what you said.)
Final Tips for Using ‘Que’ and ‘Lo Que’
- If you can replace the phrase with ‘that’ in English, use ‘que.’
- If you can replace the phrase with ‘what’ or ‘that which,’ use ‘lo que.’
- Pay attention to the context to determine whether you need a relative pronoun or a phrase referring to an idea.
By mastering ‘que’ vs ‘lo que’ in Spanish, you’ll improve your fluency and avoid common mistakes. Keep practicing with real-life examples, and soon it will become second nature!
Do you want to learn a little more Spanish? Don’t miss the last blog: How to Perfect the Spanish ‘LL’ Sound: A Pronunciation Guide for English-Speaking Adults.
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