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Uses of "Que"

Uses of "Que"

1
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What are the uses of "que?" I understand that "que" is a relative pronoun. "El hombre que es pobre..." "The man who is poor..." or that it can be used for abstract objects, with "lo." For example, "Lo que quiere no existe." "That which you want doesn't exist." Although I still don't understand when to use "lo que." However, in the sentence, "Tengo mucho que aprender," I don't quite understand the use of "que." And help?

1416 views
updated Feb 12, 2016
posted by averrryyyyyy
Welcome to SpanishDict. Please add your language proficiency to your profile. - rac1, Feb 12, 2016
While you are waiting for an answer click home on the main menu and enter "que" in the dictionary. There are many examples that might help. Sometimes que translates as to. - 00551866, Feb 12, 2016
May I suggest that you click on "menu" and complete one of our excellent lessons on Spanish. - ray76, Feb 12, 2016
This is idiomatic usage. I don't think the dictionary can help. - Daniela2041, Feb 12, 2016
You also need to fill out your profile. We need to know your levels of English and Spanish so we can properly answer your questions. - Daniela2041, Feb 12, 2016

2 Answers

2
votes

This is an easy one.

There is an expression "tener que + (infinitive)

Tengo que cocinar la comida. "I have to cook the meal. The "que" really doesn't mean anything, it just has to be there.

So "tengo mucho que hacer" is almost like "tengo que hacer mucho"

"I have a lot to do." The "que" is just a part of the expression.

As a Spaniard I had difficulty with expressions like "put out" the fire. What does "out" mean?

Get the idea? smile

enter image description here

updated Feb 12, 2016
edited by Daniela2041
posted by Daniela2041
1
vote

"Lo que" means "what" in the sense of "that which"

Lo que necesito es un aumento de salario. "What (that which) I need is a raise in salary.

updated Feb 12, 2016
posted by Daniela2041