lo que and lo cual

Question

what is the difference between "lo que" and "lo cual"?

Here's a previous post on this subject http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/8973/lo-que-lo-cual - Kiwi-Girl, Oct 6, 2012

I don't think that is much help either Kiwi :) examples are needed. - ian-hill, Oct 6, 2012

Answer 1

Both are relative pronouns using the neuter article 'lo' - they are used in clauses referring back to a previously stated idea.

lo que and lo cual can both sometimes be translated with the English 'which':

Dicen que soy guapo, lo cual es cierto. They say that I'm handsome, which is true.

Hay nubes negras, lo que indica lluvia. There are black clouds, which indicates rain.

But 'lo que' means 'what' in noun clauses.

Esto es lo que estaba diciendo. That's what I was saying.

Lo que piensan no es importante. What you think is not important.

Good job! - francobollo, Oct 6, 2012

Answer 2

I found these sentences in my dictionary.

But they do not explain the difference.

No te imaginas lo que fue aquello.

You can’t imagine what it was like.

Me he gastado todo el sueldo, con lo cual ya no salgo en todo el mes.

I’ve spent all my salary, SO I won’t be able to go out this month.

or

I’ve spent all my salary, WITH WHICH I won’t be able to go out this month.

:) - Kiwi-Girl, Oct 6, 2012