The many meanings of 'que' — European Spanish Grammar

The word is one of the most frequent and versatile words in the Spanish language. It functions primarily as a connector, linking words, phrases, or entire sentences together. Depending on the context, it can translate to English as that, which, who, whom, than, or because.

As a Relative Pronoun (That, Which, Who)

When is used as a relative pronoun, it connects a noun with a phrase that describes it. Unlike English, where you can often omit the word that (e.g., "The book I read"), in Spanish, is mandatory and cannot be left out. It is used for both people and things.

El libro que compré es interesante.
The book that I bought is interesting.
La chica que vive aquí es mi amiga.
The girl who lives here is my friend.
El coche que ves es nuevo.
The car which you see is new.

As a Conjunction (That)

acts as a conjunction to join two clauses, typically after verbs of speaking, thinking, or feeling. Again, while English often omits that in these structures, Spanish requires it.

Creo que va a llover.
I think that it is going to rain.
Ella dice que no tiene tiempo.
She says that she does not have time.
Espero que estés bien.
I hope that you are well.

In Comparisons (Than)

When making comparisons of inequality (more than or less than), is the equivalent of the English than. It follows adverbs like (more) or (less).

Tu casa es más grande que la mía.
Your house is bigger than mine.
Juan corre más rápido que Pedro.
Juan runs faster than Pedro.
Hoy hace menos frío que ayer.
Today is less cold than yesterday.

Expressing Obligation (Tener que)

One of the most common verbal structures in Spanish is + + infinitive. This phrase expresses a strong necessity or obligation, translating to to have to.

Tengo que trabajar mañana.
I have to work tomorrow.
Tienes que comer más verduras.
You have to eat more vegetables.
Tenemos que salir ahora.
We have to leave now.

The Abstract 'Lo que' (What / That which)

When you need to refer to an abstract idea, a situation, or an unspecified object rather than a specific noun, you use the combination . This translates to what (in the sense of "the thing that") or that which.

No entiendo lo que dices.
I do not understand what you are saying.
Lo que necesito es descansar.
What I need is to rest.
Eso es lo que quiero.
That is what I want.

Causal 'Que' (Because / For)

In spoken European Spanish, is frequently used at the beginning of a clause to provide a reason or justification for a previous statement or command. It functions similarly to because or since.

Vámonos, que es tarde.
Let's go, (because) it is late.
Come algo, que tienes mala cara.
Eat something, (for) you look unwell.

Distinction: 'Que' vs. 'Qué'

It is crucial to distinguish between the unaccented and the accented . The pronunciation is identical, but the function changes. with an accent mark is used in direct questions (what?) and exclamations (how...! or what a...!).

¿Qué quieres comer?
What do you want to eat?
¡Qué bonito es este lugar!
How beautiful this place is!
¡Qué pena!
What a pity!

In the course

Sentences from Lingora’s European Spanish course

53 of the course's 500 sentences use this, the first in lesson 8. A few of them, with the words “The many meanings of 'que'” is about in bold:

Eres graciosa. Creo que eres graciosa.
You are funny. I think you are funny.
Lesson 169
Tengo que ir en bici hasta que me compre un coche nuevo.
I have to ride my bike until I get a new car.
Lesson 301
Mi primera impresión es que es muy lista.
My first impression is that she is very smart.
Lesson 333

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