Relative pronouns

As you dive deeper into Spanish grammar, you’ll come across relative pronouns—words that introduce relative clauses and connect them to the main sentence. These pronouns are essential for creating complex and nuanced sentences in Spanish. This article will provide a clear overview of Spanish relative pronouns, their uses, and how they differ from their English counterparts.

Understanding Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns in Spanish, just like in English, are used to introduce additional information about a noun or pronoun (called the antecedent) in a sentence. They help you combine two separate thoughts into one smooth sentence, adding depth and complexity to your Spanish expressions.

The Main Spanish Relative Pronouns

Spanish uses several relative pronouns, each with specific uses and contexts. Here’s an overview of the main ones you’ll encounter:

1. Que (that, which, who)
2. Quien/Quienes (who, whom)
3. El cual, la cual, los cuales, las cuales (which, who)
4. Cuyo, cuya, cuyos, cuyas (whose)
5. Lo que (what, that which)

Let’s take a quick look at each one:

1. Que (that, which, who)

“Que” is the most common and versatile relative pronoun in Spanish. You’ll use it all the time in conversations and writing. It can refer to people, animals, or things, and it doesn’t change its form based on gender or number.

Example:

• El libro que estoy leyendo es interesante. (The book that I’m reading is interesting.)

2. Quien/Quienes (who, whom)

“Quien” (singular) and “quienes” (plural) are used exclusively to refer to people. These pronouns change based on whether they refer to one person or multiple people.

Example:

• La profesora, quien habla cinco idiomas, es muy respetada. (The teacher, who speaks five languages, is highly respected.)

3. El cual, la cual, los cuales, las cuales (which, who)

This group of pronouns changes based on the gender and number of the noun they refer to. They’re often used in formal writing or when you need to avoid confusion.

Example:

• El museo, el cual fue construido en 1900, atrae a muchos turistas. (The museum, which was built in 1900, attracts many tourists.)

4. Cuyo, cuya, cuyos, cuyas (whose)

These possessive relative pronouns show ownership or relationship. They change based on the gender and number of the noun that comes after them, not the noun they refer back to.

Example:

• El autor cuyo libro ganó el premio es mi vecino. (The author whose book won the prize is my neighbor.)

5. Lo que (what, that which)

“Lo que” is used to refer to ideas or concepts, not specific nouns. It’s often translated as “what” or “that which” in English.

Example:

• No entiendo lo que estás diciendo. (I don’t understand what you’re saying.)

Key Differences from English

As you learn to use Spanish relative pronouns, keep these key differences in mind:

1. In Spanish, you can’t omit the relative pronoun like you sometimes can in English.

• English: The book (that) I’m reading is interesting.
• Spanish: El libro que estoy leyendo es interesante. (You must include “que”)

2. Spanish doesn’t use the equivalent of “whose” for inanimate objects. You’ll use “cuyo/cuya/cuyos/cuyas” for both people and things.
3. The pronoun “quien/quienes” is only for people, while “who” in English can sometimes refer to animals or objects.

Mastering Relative Pronouns

To become a pro with Spanish relative pronouns:

1. Practice identifying the noun the pronoun refers to in sentences to choose the correct pronoun.
2. Pay attention to gender and number agreement, especially with “el cual” and “cuyo.”
3. Listen for these pronouns in Spanish conversations and media to understand how they’re used naturally.
4. Try building complex sentences using different relative pronouns in your Spanish speaking and writing practice.

Becoming skilled with relative pronouns will greatly improve your Spanish. You’ll be able to express more complex ideas and create more sophisticated sentences. With regular practice, you’ll be using these pronouns naturally and confidently!