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"De quién" is a phrase which is often translated as "whose", and "cuyo" is an adjective which is also often translated as "whose". Learn more about the difference between "de quién" and "cuyo" below.
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cuyo(
koo
-
yoh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (masculine) (relative; used to express possession)
A word or phrase that is masculine (e.g., el libro).
a. whose
Este es el perro cuyo dueño vive al lado de mi primo.This is the dog whose owner lives next to my cousin.
b. of which (by inanimate objects)
Este es el libro cuyo primer capítulo está escrito en verso y el resto en prosa.This is the book of which the first chapter is written in poetry and the remaining in prose.
2. (masculine) (relative; used to express relation)
A word or phrase that is masculine (e.g., el libro).
a. whose
El libro, cuyo autor es el propio Kauffman, es una verdadera obra maestra.The book, whose author is Kauffman himself, is a real masterpiece.
b. of which (with inanimate objects)
La construcción del edificio, cuyo presupuesto está por determinar, comenzará el próximo año.The construction of the building, the budget of which is yet to be determined, will begin next year.
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Es obligatorio presentar un documento de identidad, a no ser que sea socio, en cuyo caso presentará la tarjeta del club.It is mandatory to present an ID card, unless you are a member, in which case you will present the club card.
El enfermo requería un tratamiento cuyo efecto fuera inmediato.The patient required a treatment with immediate effect.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
3. (animal) (Central America) (Mexico)
Regionalism used in Central America: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama
Regionalism used in Mexico
a. guinea pig
Alicia tenía tres mascotas: un cuyo y dos hámsters.Alicia had three pets: a guinea pig and two hamsters.
cuya
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
4. (feminine) (relative; used to express possession)
A word or phrase that is feminine (e.g., la manzana).
a. whose
Los cachorritos, cuya mamá es una tigresa de Bengala auténtica, vivirán con ella en el zoo de Berlín.The cubs, whose mom is a real Bengal tiger, will live with her at the Berlin zoo.
b. of which (by inanimate objects)
La altura de la mesa se ajusta por medio de un mecanismo cuya palanca está indicada en la parte superior del tablero por una flecha blanca.The height of the table is adjusted by means of a mechanism, the lever of which is shown by a white arrow on the table top.
5. (feminine) (relative; used to express relation)
A word or phrase that is feminine (e.g., la manzana).
a. whose
Vaughan es un prisionero político por cuya liberación llevamos trabajando desde 1999.Vaughan is a political prisoner for whose release we've been working since 1999.
b. of which (with inanimate objects)
La catedral es un edificio enorme e impresionante ante cuya presencia los fieles quedaban sencillamente abrumados.The cathedral is a huge and impressive building in the presence of which the faithful were simply overawed.
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Tengo que dar gracias a mi amigo Pablo, a cuya ayuda recurrí cuando me vi en serios apuros.I have to thank my friend Pablo, whom I asked for help when I found myself in serious trouble.
El Gobierno ha tomado una decisión cuya primera consecuencia será el empobrecimiento de las clases medias.The government has made a decision whose first consequence will be to impoverish the middle classes.
