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"Ella" is a pronoun which is often translated as "she", and "la que" is a phrase which is often translated as "the one that". Learn more about the difference between "ella" and "la que" below.
ella()
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
a. she (subject)
Ella publicó un libro acerca de la epidemiología.She published a book about epidemiology.
b. her (object)
Voy a hablar con ella para ver si nos puede aconsejar.I'm going to talk to her and see if she can advise us.
c. it (things or animals)
Esa es mi casa. Detrás de ella hay un garaje.That's my house. Behind it, there's a garage.
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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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