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QUICK ANSWER
"What" is a form of "what", a pronoun which is often translated as "qué". "How" is an adverb which is often translated as "cómo". Learn more about the difference between "what" and "how" below.
what()
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
how()
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
1. (manner)
a. cómo
How did you get here so quickly?¿Cómo llegaste tan rápido?
I don't know how to do this.No sé cómo hacer esto.
2. (degree)
a. cuán
How tall is he?¿Cuán alto es?
It doesn't matter how talented you are; you must practice.No importa cuán talentoso seas; tienes que practicar.
b. qué tan (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
How sick is he?¿Qué tan enfermo está?
I don't know how tall he is.No sé qué tan alto es.
3. (state)
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
