vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"En" is a preposition which is often translated as "in", and "lo que" is a phrase which is often translated as "what". Learn more about the difference between "en" and "lo que" below.
en(
ehn
)
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
preposition
a. in
Hay comida ya preparada en el supermercado.There's ready-made food in the supermarket.
b. on
Puedes poner los cubiertos en la mesa.You can put the silverware on the table.
c. at
Los niños están en la escuela.The kids are at school.
a. in
En 1969 aterrizamos en la luna.In 1969, we landed on the moon.
a. in
Si un oso te persigue, corre en zigzag.If a bear is chasing you, run in a zig-zag formation.
a. by
No vinimos en avión; vinimos en tren.We didn't come by plane. We came by train.
a. about
¿En qué piensas?What are you thinking about?
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
lo que(
loh
 
keh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. what
No sé lo que quiero para mi cumpleaños.I don't know what I want for my birthday.
Lo que no entiendo es cómo entró el ladrón a la casa.What I don't understand is how the thief entered the house.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
SpanishDictionary.com is the world's most popular Spanish-English dictionary, translation, and learning website.
FEATURES
Translation
Conjugation
Vocabulary
Learn Spanish
Grammar
Word of the Day
ABOUT
About Us
Privacy
Terms
Site Map
Help
Contact Us
SOCIAL NETWORKS
Facebook
X
X
Instagram
APPS
Apple
iOS
Android
Android
IXL learning logo

Making educational experiences better for everyone.

English dictionary and learning for Spanish speakers

French-English dictionary, translator, and learning

Immersive learning for 25 languages

Comprehensive resource for word definitions and usage

Essential reference for synonyms and antonyms

Adaptive learning for English vocabulary

Fast, easy, reliable language certification

Fun educational games for kids

Trusted tutors for 300+ subjects

Comprehensive K-12 personalized learning

Marketplace for millions of educator-created resources

35,000+ worksheets, games, and lesson plans

Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc., a division of IXL Learning • All Rights Reserved.