lo cual
vs
el que

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

lo cual(

loh

kwahl

)

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

phrase

1. (general)

a. which

Silvia está completamente curada después de la operación de corazón que le hicieron, lo cual es un gran alivio.Silvia is completely cured after the heart surgery she underwent, which is a great relief.

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.