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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(
wuht
)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(
hau
)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).
