Meaning of 'lo que'

Question

Hi guys

What does 'lo que' mean or what's the function of 'lo' here?

Example:

Solo yo sé lo que sufrí.

Thanks

It might sound weird but I'm answering my own question. I found this interesting and informative article about the uses of 'lo' and thought I should share it.

Here it is Link

Answer 1

I have used, with my students, a very simple way to translate this relative pronoun:

'lo que' = 'non-inquisitive' WHAT.

In other words, it's a 'what' that does not ask anything.

I know... it's a little cryptic, isn't it?

Examples:

Lo que me gusta comer = WHAT I like to eat

Eso es exactamente lo que mi esposa quería = That's exactly WHAT my wife wanted

Lo que dijiste no es verdad. WHAT you said is not true.

That helped a lot, Cesar. Great explanation. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - SonrisaDelSol, Jul 11, 2011

De nada... un placer haber podido ayudar...! - Torreblanca, Jul 11, 2011

Answer 2

I believe it to mean "that which". So I think your sentence translates to, "only I know that which I have suffered. Hope thats right .Buena suerte.

Answer 3

It is a relative pronoun as shown below:

lo cual/lo que {that which, which, what, whatever}

There are a lot of lessons on relative pronouns including right here on SD in the reference library.

Answer 4

I think it is 'only I know what I've suffered'. The 'lo' being the unknown thing that I suffered.