When do you use "que" versus "lo que"?
I don't understand when it is acceptable to use "lo que" versus simply using "que". For example, in the phrase "No creo que tenga razon" which translates to "I don't think he's right" could one also say "No creo lo que tenga razon." Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jocelyn
3 Answers
Jocelyn (Words000)
Think of them this way:
Que yields a single word translation such as which, that, than,who, whom, etc
Lo que.yields a two word translation such as 'that which'.
This is a pretty much broad general rule but may help to see the difference.
Mejor Recuerdos/Best Regards,
Moe
Que acts as a pronoun that usually refers back either the subject or the object of the previous clause. It can usually be translated to "that, who, which" or "whom."
Lo que acts as a pronoun to refer back to the whole idea, and usually translates to "which" or "what" (incidentally, in English "that which" would usually be replaced by "what." For example: "Don't pay attention to what (that which) he did."
Two Examples
1). La comida que compré ayer es para la fiesta mañana - The food that I bought yesterday is for the party tomorrow. (Que refers to the subject la comida).
2). No hagas caso de lo que ha dicho - Don't pay attention to what he said (Lo que refers back to the whole idea)
Someone posted this excellent link that explains it all and has a test:
