el cual
vs
el que

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"El cual" is a phrase which is often translated as "which", and "el que" is a phrase which is often translated as "the one that". Learn more about the difference between "el cual" and "el que" below.

el cual

A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).

phrase

1. (general)

a. which (things, animals)

El edificio posee un moderno gimnasio, el cual está localizado en la planta baja.The building features a modern gym, which is located on the first floor.

b. that (things, animals)

A último momento, el presidente decidió no utilizar el discurso en el cual pasé horas trabajando.At the last moment, the president decided not to use the speech that I spent hours working on.

c. who (people)

Sé que eres un amigo el cual puedo depender, Lorenzo. Gracias por estar ahí para mí cuando te he necesitado.I know you're a friend who I can depend on, Lorenzo. Thanks for always being there for me.

d. whom (people)

Quiero pedirles un fuerte aplauso para el doctor Victor Carles, un profesional consumado sin el cual nuestra firma no sería lo que es hoy.Let's give a warm round of applause to Dr. Victor Carles, a consummate professional without whom our firm wouldn't be what it is today.

el que

A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).

phrase

1. (masculine, singular)

a. the one that

¿Cuál es tu carro? - El que está estacionado junto al árbol.Which one is your car? - The one that is parked by the tree.

b. whichever

¿Qué camino elijo? - El que elijas te llevará a la aventura.What path should I choose? - Whichever you choose will take you on an adventure.

c. the one who (person)

El que pestañee primero pierde.Whoever blinks first loses.

d. whoever (person)

Chicos, el que salga último tiene que cerrar la puerta con llave.Guys, whoever leaves last has to lock the door.