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"Al que" is a phrase which is often translated as "who", and "a quién" is a phrase which is often translated as "to whom". Learn more about the difference between "al que" and "a quién" below.
al que(
ahl
 
keh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. who
El hombre al que conocí en el congreso es un investigador de renombre.The man who I met at the conference is a renowned researcher.
b. that
No sé quién era el tipo al que vi ayer con Antonia.I don't know who the guy that I saw with Antonia yesterday was.
c. who...to
El empleado al que le di mi número de teléfono se equivocó al escribirloThe employee who I gave my phone number to made a mistake when writing it down.
d. that...to
¿Averiguaste si necesitas visa para entrar al país al que viajarás?Did you ask if you need a visa to enter the country that you're traveling to?
e. which
El perrito, al que le dicen Pepe, es un caniche.The puppy, which they call Pepe, is a poodle.
f.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
El hombre al que acusaron es inocente.The man they charged is innocent.
El cantante al que llaman "El griego" es en realidad mexicano.The singer they call "The Greek" is in fact Mexican.
g. to which
El grupo al que se aplicará la norma se definirá con posterioridad.The group to which the regulation will be applied will be defined later on.
h. to whom
El hombre al que le entregué el paquete es mi tío.The man to whom I handed the parcel is my uncle.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
a quién(
ah
 
kyehn
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. to whom
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
(formal)
¿A quién le vendió su casa?To whom did you sell your house?
b. whom
¿A quién fuiste a visitar esta tarde?Whom did you visit today?
c. who
¿A quién le falta libro?Who hasn't got a book?
a. to whom
Si no sabe a quién dirigir la carta, llame y pregunte.If you don't know to whom you should address the letter, inquire about it over the phone.
b. whom
No vas a adivinar a quién he visto hoy.You'll never guess whom I saw today.
c. who
Me pregunto a quién le podría interesar.I wonder who might be interested.
a. who
¡A quién le importa eso ahora!Who cares about that now!
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.