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"Quienquiera" is a pronoun which is often translated as "whoever", and "el que" is a phrase which is often translated as "the one that". Learn more about the difference between "quienquiera" and "el que" below.
quienquiera()
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
a. whoever
Quienquiera que te contara esa historia está mintiendo.Whoever told you that story is lying.
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el que
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
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.
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