Relative Pronouns

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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

1. Connect relative and main clauses
2. Can be subjects, direct objects, or objects of a preposition
3. 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
El que		Subject Direct object Object of preposition		who whom which, whom, that
Que		Subject Direct object		that, which, who that, which, whom
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:

• La ruta de Don Quijote

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

• Pronoms relatifs
   

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