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"El que" is a phrase which is often translated as "the one that", and "el cual" is a phrase which is often translated as "which". Learn more about the difference between "el que" and "el cual" below.
el que
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
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.
el cual
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
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.
