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G A M E Qué vs Cuál

G A M E Qué vs Cuál

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Pretty simple, just to get a bit of practice as to when qué or cuál should be used (although sometimes either would be correct). This is how the game goes:

Translate the given sentence using qué or cuál (or the plural cuáles)

Give your reason why.

Leave a new sentence for translation.

I'll start us off with:

Given Sentence: What is a hedgehog?

Translated:

Reason:

New Sentence:

*Here are some suggestions from About.com and Voices en Español which may help:

Qué is used when asking for definitions or for identification.

Qué normally is most often used before nouns (although you will hear cuál sometimes used to mean "which").

Cuál is used to suggest a selection or choice from within a group. (but beware because qué followed by a noun asks “which one?”)

Qué is used for choice between general categories.

Cuál usually is used before es and other forms of ser when not seeking a definition. It then means “what” (which one of all the possibilities).

Qué has some common idiomatic uses.

Cuál + de + a plural noun asks “which” of two or more alternatives.*

Another little tip:

cuál es - what is qué es - what (kind of thing) is

PS: I'll do my very best to check and correct everyone's answers but as you all know this is a tricky subject and I'm far from infallible so if any native heavy weights would like to weigh in and offer any corrections or reasons why something is the way it is - they are more than welcome smile

26954 views
updated Dec 29, 2012
edited by Kiwi-Girl
posted by Kiwi-Girl
Another great game for practicing a very important subject! - --Mariana--, Oct 4, 2010
You are amazing! - DR1960, Oct 4, 2010
Lol! Come on jump in :) - Kiwi-Girl, Oct 4, 2010
Good game Maria, I hadn't even really realized the difference between these words before! - schemmn, Oct 4, 2010
Thanx Schemmn - yes it's something that Spanish speakers do automatically but we learners need a few tips to get it right :) - Kiwi-Girl, Oct 4, 2010
challenging;) - Silvia, Oct 11, 2010
but fun :) join in Silvia! - Kiwi-Girl, Oct 11, 2010
Such an awesome game. I learned SO MUCH! I had to go through it a few times, but now it is clear..Thanks! - Peas, Dec 29, 2012
Gracias glad you found it helpful :) - Kiwi-Girl, Dec 29, 2012