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"Que" is a form of "que", a conjunction which is often translated as "that". "El cual" is a phrase which is often translated as "which". Learn more about the difference between "el cual" and "que" below.
el cual
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
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.
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que(
keh
)
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
conjunction
a. that
Tenga en cuenta que algunas de estas características son diferentes.Note that some of these characteristics are different.
a. than
Es más barato comprar el libro en la librería que comprarlo online.It's cheaper to buy the book in the bookshop than to buy it online.
Mi hermano es más alto que yo.My brother is taller than me.
b. to
Prefiero las tiendas pequeñas que los grandes supermercados.I prefer small stores to big supermarkets.
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
a. who (person)
El hombre que le salvó la vida a mi bebé está aquí.The man who saved my baby's life is here.
b. which (thing)
El libro que más ha influido en mí es este.The book which has had the greatest influence on me is this one.
c. that (thing)
El pastel que me encanta es el de chocolate.The cake that I love is chocolate cake.
a. who (person)
Vi a la mujer que trabaja en el spa.I saw the woman who works in the spa.
b. that (thing)
¡Enséñame el vestido que llevaste en la fiesta!Show me the dress that you wore to the party!
Ese es el teléfono que yo quiero.That's the phone that I want.
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