vs 

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"Por la cual" is a phrase which is often translated as "why", and "lo que" is a phrase which is often translated as "what". Learn more about the difference between "por la cual" and "lo que" below.
por la cual(
pohr
 
lah
 
kwahl
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. why
El dinamismo de la gente aquí es la razón por la cual me encanta este trabajo.The dynamism of the people here is the reason why I love this job.
b. for which
Aún no sabemos la razón por la cual Bruce fue encarcelado.We don't know the reason for which Bruce was jailed yet.
a. by which
El internet es la vía por la cual los miembros del equipo se comunican todos los días.The internet is the means by which the team members communicate with each other every day.
b. through which
La aorta es la arteria por la cual pasa la sangre al resto de las arterias.The aorta is the artery through which the blood gets to the rest of the arteries.
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.