Inklingo
← Dictionary
A cartoon hand hovers over three distinct shapes (a red square, a blue circle, and a yellow star) arranged side-by-side on a plain background, visually illustrating the process of selecting items from a group.

cuáles

KWAH-lehs

PronounA1
which ones?asking for selection from a set of items
Also:what (are they)?used before the verb 'ser' (to be) when asking for characteristics of multiple things

📝 In Action

¿Cuáles son tus libros favoritos?

A1

Which ones are your favorite books?

No sé cuáles escoger de todas estas opciones.

A2

I don't know which ones to choose from all these options.

Las reglas son muchas. ¿Cuáles debemos seguir primero?

B1

There are many rules. Which ones should we follow first?

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • ¿Cuáles son...? – Which ones are...?
  • saber cuáles – to know which ones

💡 Grammar Points

Always Plural

The word 'cuáles' is the plural version of 'cuál'. You must use it when you are asking about two or more things.

Asking for Selection

'Cuáles' asks you to pick specific items from a list or group. Think of it as asking, 'From this group, which specific ones?'

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Cuáles' and 'Qué'

Mistake: "¿Qué son tus libros favoritos?"

Correction: ¿Cuáles son tus libros favoritos? ('Qué' usually asks for a definition or general information; 'Cuáles' asks you to select specific items.)

Using the Singular Form

Mistake: "¿Cuál son los problemas?"

Correction: ¿Cuáles son los problemas? (Since 'problemas' is plural, the question word must also be plural.)

⭐ Usage Tips

The Accent Mark

The accent mark ('´') is essential! It tells you this word is being used to ask a question (directly or indirectly). Without it, the word 'cuales' means 'the ones which' and is used to link ideas.

Used with 'Ser'

When asking for the definition or characteristics of multiple things, use 'cuáles' with 'son' (are): '¿Cuáles son las características?' (What are the characteristics?)

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: cuáles

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'cuáles'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'cuáles' have an accent mark?

The accent mark is used to show that the word is being used to ask a question—whether in a direct question (e.g., '¿Cuáles son...?') or an indirect question (e.g., 'Dime cuáles son...'). The non-accented form, 'cuales', is used to connect ideas and is not a question word.

Can 'cuáles' be used for people?

Yes, 'cuáles' can refer to people if you are asking to select specific individuals from a known group. For example: 'De todos los candidatos, ¿cuáles pasaron a la final?' (Of all the candidates, which ones made it to the final?).