lo quevsque
/loh keh/
/keh/
💡 Quick Rule
Use 'lo que' for 'what' (the thing that). Use 'que' for 'that' or 'which' when pointing to a specific noun.
Think: 'Lo' adds weight for a whole idea ('what'). 'Que' is quick and just connects to a specific thing ('that').
- This rule is very consistent, but remember 'qué' with an accent is a question word ('What?').
- 'Que' can also mean 'than' in comparisons (más grande que...).
📊 Comparison Table
| Context | lo que | que | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referring to something said | Repite lo que dijiste. | Repite la frase que dijiste. | 'lo que' refers to the abstract 'what' was said. 'que' refers back to the specific noun 'la frase'. |
| Talking about wants | Lo que quiero es dormir. | La cama que quiero es cómoda. | 'lo que' introduces the general desire ('what I want'). 'que' specifies a detail about a known thing ('la cama'). |
| Describing a situation | Lo que pasó fue muy raro. | El accidente que pasó fue muy raro. | 'lo que' refers to the entire, unspecified event. 'que' connects the description to the specific noun 'el accidente'. |
✅ When to Use "lo que" / que
lo que
'what', 'the thing that', 'that which'. Refers to an abstract idea, a concept, or something not yet specified.
/loh keh/
Referring to an abstract idea or concept
No entiendo lo que dices.
I don't understand what you're saying.
Starting a sentence to mean 'What...'
Lo que más me gusta es el chocolate.
What I like most is chocolate.
Emphasizing a point
Eso es exactamente lo que quería.
That is exactly what I wanted.
que
'that', 'which', 'who'. Connects a description to a specific noun that was just mentioned.
/keh/
Connecting to a specific thing
El libro que estoy leyendo es interesante.
The book that I'm reading is interesting.
Connecting to a specific person
La mujer que vive aquí es mi tía.
The woman who lives here is my aunt.
As a conjunction meaning 'that'
Pienso que va a llover.
I think that it is going to rain.
🔄 Contrast Examples
With "lo que":
Mira lo que compré.
Look at what I bought.
With "que":
Mira la camisa que compré.
Look at the shirt that I bought.
The Difference: 'Lo que' is used when the listener doesn't know what the item is (it's a surprise). 'Que' is used when you're referring to a specific, known item ('la camisa').
With "lo que":
Lo que es importante es la familia.
What is important is family.
With "que":
El tema que es importante es la familia.
The topic that is important is family.
The Difference: 'Lo que' introduces the abstract concept of importance. 'Que' connects the adjective 'importante' to the specific noun 'el tema'.
With "lo que":
Ahora entiendo lo que pasó.
Now I understand what happened.
With "que":
Ahora entiendo la historia que me contaste.
Now I understand the story that you told me.
The Difference: Use 'lo que' to refer to the whole, general event ('what happened'). Use 'que' to refer back to a specific thing ('la historia').
🎨 Visual Comparison
'Lo que' refers to a whole idea ('what'). 'Que' points to a specific thing ('that').
⚠️ Common Mistakes
El coche lo que compré es rojo.
El coche que compré es rojo.
Because you are referring to a specific noun ('el coche'), you only need 'que' (that). Use 'lo que' when you're not referring to a specific noun, like 'Lo que compré es rojo' (What I bought is red).
Dime que piensas.
Dime lo que piensas.
'Dime que piensas' is a command meaning 'Tell me THAT you are thinking.' To ask for the content of someone's thoughts, you must say 'Dime lo que piensas' (Tell me WHAT you think).
📚 Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this pair? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
🏷️ Key Words
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: Lo que vs Que
Question 1 of 2
Choose the correct option: 'La película ___ vimos anoche fue excelente.'
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a sentence with 'Que'?
Yes, but it often has a different meaning. For example, 'Que tengas un buen día' means 'Have a good day!' (it's a subjunctive wish). To start a sentence meaning 'What is important is...', you must use 'Lo que es importante es...'.
Is 'lo que' the same as 'qué' with an accent?
No. 'Lo que' means 'what' in the sense of 'the thing that'. 'Qué' (with an accent) is an interrogative or exclamation word, used for questions like '¿Qué es eso?' (What is that?) or exclamations like '¡Qué bueno!' (How great!).