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"Cual" is a form of "cual", a pronoun which is often translated as "which". "La que" is a phrase which is often translated as "the one that". Learn more about the difference between "cual" and "la que" below.
cual()
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
a. which (thing)
El hotel en el cual pasé mis vacaciones de verano ha cerrado.The hotel in which I spent my summer holiday has been closed.
b. who (person)
Mi hermano, el cual trabaja en un restaurante, encontró esto en el suelo el otro día.My brother, who works in a restaurant, found this on the floor the other day.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. as
Ella es bella cual flor.She is as beautiful as a flower.
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la que
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. the one that
No me gusta esta bufanda. La que compré en el mercado de pulgas es más linda.I don't like this scarf. The one that I bought at the flea market is prettier.
b. whichever
¿Qué tarea elijo? - La que elijas te enseñara algo nuevo.What task do I choose? - Whichever you choose will teach you something new.
c. the one who (person)
La que pestañee primero pierde.The one who blinks first loses.
d. whoever (person)
Chicas, la que salga última tiene que cerrar la puerta con llave.Girls, whoever leaves last has to lock the door.
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