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"La" is a definite article which is often translated as "the", and "el que" is a phrase which is often translated as "the one that". Learn more about the difference between "la" and "el que" below.
la()
A definite article is a word that identifies a noun as specific or known to the speaker (e.g., the girl).
a. the
La pelota está en el tejado.The ball is on the roof.
La leche está en el refrigerador.The milk is in the refrigerator.
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
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.
