conquevscon que / con qué
/KOHN-keh/
/kohn KEH/
💡 Quick Rule
conque = 'so...'; con que = 'with which'; con qué = 'with what?'
One word ('conque') is a consequence ('so'). Two words ('con que'/'con qué') are about a thing ('with which/what?').
- The key is the question. If you're asking 'With what?', even indirectly, you need two words and an accent: con qué.
📊 Comparison Table
| Context | conque | con que / con qué | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test: Can you say 'así que' (so)? | Tengo sueño, conque me voy a dormir. | (Doesn't work) | If the sentence still makes sense when you substitute 'así que', use the single word 'conque'. |
| Test: Can you say 'con el/la cual' (with which)? | (Doesn't work) | Es el material con que se construye. | If you can substitute 'con el cual' or 'con la cual', use the two-word version 'con que'. |
| Asking a question | (Doesn't work) | ¿Con qué abro esta lata? | For questions meaning 'With what?', always use two words with an accent: 'con qué'. |
| Function | Introduces a consequence | Refers to a thing | 'conque' is a connector word for results. 'con que' links the preposition 'con' to a noun or clause. |
✅ When to Use "conque" / con que / con qué
conque
A single word that means 'so', 'therefore', or 'thus'. It connects a cause with a consequence.
/KOHN-keh/
Introducing a consequence
Ya es tarde, conque vámonos.
It's already late, so let's go.
As a synonym for 'así que' (so)
No estudiaste, conque no te quejes de la nota.
You didn't study, so don't complain about the grade.
To wrap up an idea or give an order
Has cumplido con todo, conque puedes irte.
You've finished everything, so you can leave.
con que / con qué
Two words. 'Con que' means 'with which' or 'with that'. 'Con qué' (with an accent) means 'With what?' and is used in questions and exclamations.
/kohn KEH/
'con que' (with which/that)
Este es el bolígrafo con que escribí la carta.
This is the pen with which I wrote the letter.
'con qué' (With what?) in questions
¿Con qué quieres pagar?
What do you want to pay with?
'con qué' in exclamations
¡Mira con qué facilidad lo hace!
Look how easily he does it!
Referring to a previously mentioned thing
La paciencia con que me escuchas es admirable.
The patience with which you listen to me is admirable.
🔄 Contrast Examples
With "conque":
No hay más que hablar, conque la decisión está tomada.
There's nothing more to talk about, so the decision is made.
With "con que / con qué":
No sé con qué argumentos convencerlo.
I don't know with what arguments to convince him.
The Difference: 'conque' is a conclusion ('so'). 'con qué' is part of a question (direct or indirect) asking 'with what'.
With "conque":
Ya me pagaron, conque ahora tengo dinero.
They already paid me, so now I have money.
With "con que / con qué":
El dinero con que pagué el alquiler era de mis ahorros.
The money with which I paid the rent was from my savings.
The Difference: 'conque' introduces the result of getting paid. 'con que' specifies which money was used.
🎨 Visual Comparison
Split screen showing 'conque' as a consequence and 'con que'/'con qué' as a tool or question.
'conque' is for results ('so...'). 'con que'/'con qué' is for things ('with which'/'with what?').
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Tengo hambre, con que voy a comer.
Tengo hambre, conque voy a comer.
To express a consequence ('so'), use the single word 'conque'. 'Con que' means 'with which'.
¿Conque vas a cortar el pan?
¿Con qué vas a cortar el pan?
In a question asking 'With what?', you must use two words and an accent on 'qué'.
El lápiz conque escribes es mío.
El lápiz con que escribes es mío.
When referring to an object ('the pencil with which you write'), use two separate words, 'con que'.
📚 Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this pair? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: Conque vs. Con que / Con qué
Question 1 of 3
Choose the correct option: 'Ya terminamos el trabajo, ___ podemos irnos.'
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Do 'conque' and 'con que' sound exactly the same when spoken?
Yes, they are pronounced identically. The only way to tell them apart in speech is from the context of the sentence. This is why understanding the different meanings is so important for both listening and writing.
Is 'conque' a very common word?
It's more common in writing and formal speech than in casual, everyday conversation. In spoken Spanish, you'll hear 'así que' (so) much more frequently. However, 'conque' is still important to know, especially for reading.
Can I always replace 'con que' with 'con el cual' or 'con la cual'?
Yes, that's an excellent test. If you can substitute 'con el cual', 'con la cual', 'con los cuales', or 'con las cuales' and the sentence still makes sense, you definitely need the two-word 'con que'.