cuál
/kwal/
which
Visualizing the choice: Selecting the specific item you are asking about from a group (Which one?).
cuál(Pronoun)
📝 In Action
¿Cuál es tu número de teléfono?
A1What is your phone number?
¿Cuál de estos libros prefieres?
A2Which of these books do you prefer?
Hay dos caminos. No sé cuál tomar.
B1There are two paths. I don't know which one to take.
💡 Grammar Points
Asking 'Which?' or 'What?'
Use 'cuál' to ask someone to choose from a set of options, even if you don't list them out loud. Think of it as asking 'which one?'
Plural Form: 'Cuáles'
If you are asking someone to choose more than one thing, use 'cuáles'. For example: '¿Cuáles son tus películas favoritas?' (What are your favorite movies?).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'Cuál' and 'Qué'
Mistake: "A common point of confusion is when to use 'cuál' vs. 'qué' (what). For example, learners might say: *¿Qué es tu nombre?*"
Correction: The correct way is '¿Cuál es tu nombre?'. A good rule of thumb: if you're asking for a specific piece of information (like a name, address, or favorite color) from a big list of possibilities, use 'cuál es'.
Using 'Cuál' Before a Noun
Mistake: "In English, we say 'Which car?'. It's tempting to say *¿Cuál coche?* in Spanish."
Correction: But you should almost always use 'qué' right before a noun. Say '¿Qué coche prefieres?' instead. Use 'cuál' when the noun isn't directly next to it: '¿Cuál de los coches prefieres?' (Which of the cars do you prefer?).
⭐ Usage Tips
Think 'Which One'
Even when 'cuál' translates to 'what' in English, mentally translating it as 'which one' can help you use it correctly. 'What is your name?' is like asking 'Which one is your name from all the possible names in the world?'
Representing the formal relative pronoun 'el cual,' showing the connection or means by which something occurs ('the bridge by which').
cuál(Pronoun)
📝 In Action
Este es el puente por el cual cruzamos el río.
B1This is the bridge by which we crossed the river.
La reunión, para la cual me preparé mucho, fue cancelada.
B2The meeting, for which I prepared a lot, was canceled.
Los temas sobre los cuales discutimos son complejos.
B2The topics about which we argued are complex.
💡 Grammar Points
Adding Extra Info
This version of 'cuál' helps you connect ideas or add more details about something you just mentioned. It's a way to say 'which' or 'that' in the middle of a sentence.
Must Match in Gender and Number
'Cuál' needs to match the thing it's describing. You'll almost always see it with 'el, la, los,' or 'las' in front of it: 'el cual' (the which, for masculine things), 'la cual' (for feminine), 'los cuales' (masculine plural), and 'las cuales' (feminine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'el', 'la', 'los', 'las'
Mistake: "It's easy to forget the little word in front. For example: *La casa en cual vivo es vieja.*"
Correction: You must include the word that matches the noun's gender and number: 'La casa en la cual vivo es vieja.' This little word connects 'cuál' back to 'la casa'.
⭐ Usage Tips
A More Formal 'Que'
In many cases, you could just use 'que' (that/which). Using 'el/la/los/las cual(es)' often sounds more precise, formal, or literary. It's especially useful in long sentences to make it clear what you're talking about.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cuál
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence is the correct way to ask 'What is your profession?' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the simplest way to remember the difference between 'cuál' and 'qué'?
Think of it this way: Use 'qué' when you want a definition ('¿Qué es eso?' - What is that?). Use 'cuál' when you're asking someone to choose or identify something from a group, even an imaginary one ('¿Cuál prefieres?' - Which do you prefer?; '¿Cuál es tu nombre?' - What is your name?). Also, a great shortcut: 'qué' can go right before a noun ('¿Qué libro...?'), but 'cuál' almost never does.
When do I use the plural form 'cuáles'?
Use 'cuáles' whenever the answer you expect is plural. For example: '¿Cuál es tu color favorito?' (singular answer: 'blue') vs. '¿Cuáles son tus colores favoritos?' (plural answer: 'blue and green').
Why do people say 'el cual' or 'la cual'? Isn't 'que' easier?
Yes, 'que' (that/which) is often easier and more common in conversation. Using 'el/la cual' is a bit more formal and is very useful for being extra clear. In a long sentence like 'I saw the director's car, which was red,' using 'el cual' makes it 100% clear you're talking about the car, not the director. It removes any possible confusion.