la cual
vs
el que

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

la cual

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

phrase

1. (general)

a. that (things, animals)

Esta es la serie de TV sobre la cual te hablé. ¡Es buenísima!This is the TV show that I told you about. It's really good!

b. which (things, animals)

Ordenamos la sopa de Spam, la cual se veía buena en la foto, pero resultó ser asquerosa.We ordered the Spam soup, which looked good in the picture, but it turned out to be disgusting.

c. whom (people)

Tiene suerte. La jueza ante la cual comparecerá tiende a ser poco severa en sus sentencias.You're lucky. The judge before whom you will appear tends to be lenient in her sentences.

d. who (people)

¿Quién es Rita? - Una chica con la cual Marcos salió cuando estaba en la universidad.Who is Rita? - A girl who Marcos went out with when he was in college.

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.