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Pronombres relativos
Relative pronouns are connectors – they link relative clauses (i.e., clauses that cannot stand alone) to main clauses so that you don’t have to repeat subjects and objects. If any of these grammatical concepts are unclear to you, please study those lessons before reading this one.
Characteristics of relative pronouns
- Connect relative and main clauses
- Can be subjects, direct objects, or objects of a preposition
- Are required in Spanish, though they are sometimes optional in English
There are six Spanish relative pronouns: que, quien, el que, el cual, cuando, and donde. These are equivalent to seven English relative pronouns and adverbs: that, when, where, which, who, whom, and whose. I can’t give you a nice Spanish relative pronoun = English relative pronoun/adverb list, because the grammar is somewhat different in the two languages, and there are two or more possible English translations some of the Spanish pronouns, depending on the context.
Here’s a summary of Spanish relative pronouns with their functions and possible translations – click to read detailed lessons on each one.
Pronoun | Function(s) | English equivalents | ||
Cuando | Time indicator | when | ||
Donde | Place indicator | where | ||
El cual | Subject Direct object Object of preposition |
who whom which, whom, that |
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El que | Subject Direct object Object of preposition |
who whom which, whom, that |
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Que | Subject Direct object |
that, which, who that, which, whom |
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Quien | Subject Object of preposition |
who which, whom, that |
Note: In Spanish, relative pronouns are required, whereas in English, they are sometimes optional.
Relative Pronouns Quiz
Think you’ve got it? Test yourself on relative pronouns:
Note: You must be logged into your Progress with Lawless Spanish account to take this test. If you don’t have one, sign up – it’s free!
Related lessons
- PwLS super list of relative pronoun lessons
- Direct objects
- Prepositions
- Relative adjective cuyo
- Subject pronouns
En français
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