que
/keh/
'Que' often acts like a bridge, linking an idea to more information about it.
que (Connector)
📝 In Action
El libro que leo es interesante.
A1The book that I'm reading is interesting.
La casa que tiene el techo rojo es mía.
A1The house that has the red roof is mine.
Espero que vengas a la fiesta.
A2I hope that you come to the party.
💡 Grammar Points
The Ultimate Connector
Use 'que' to add extra information about a person or thing you just mentioned. It's like 'that', 'which', or 'who' in English all rolled into one.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't Forget 'Que'
Mistake: "English often drops 'that' (e.g., 'I think he is nice')."
Correction: In Spanish, you almost always need to keep the 'que': 'Creo que es simpático.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Super Phrases: 'Tener que' & 'Hay que'
Learn the phrases 'tener que' (to have to do something) and 'hay que' (one must do something). They are incredibly useful and common.
When you see 'más' (more) or 'menos' (less), 'que' is the word you use to say 'than'.
que (Comparison Word)
📝 In Action
Soy más alto que mi hermano.
A2I am taller than my brother.
Este coche es menos caro que el otro.
A2This car is less expensive than the other one.
Prefiero el té que el café.
B1I prefer tea to (literally: than) coffee.
💡 Grammar Points
Building Comparisons
Think of 'que' as the 'than' in 'more than' or 'less than'. You'll almost always see it after words like 'más', 'menos', 'mejor', or 'peor'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Comparing Numbers
Mistake: "When comparing with a number, you often use 'de', not 'que'."
Correction: Say 'Tengo más de cinco libros' (I have more than five books), not 'más que cinco libros'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Comparing Actions
You can also compare actions, not just things: 'Él corre más rápido que yo' (He runs faster than me).
When 'que' has an accent mark ('qué'), it gets excited! It's used to ask 'What?' or to exclaim 'What a...!'
que (Question & Exclamation Word (with accent: qué))
📝 In Action
¿Qué es eso?
A1What is that?
¡Qué sorpresa!
A1What a surprise!
¡Qué bonito es el vestido!
A2How beautiful the dress is!
No sé qué hacer.
A2I don't know what to do.
💡 Grammar Points
The Magic Accent
The accent mark is key! Use 'qué' for questions and exclamations. Use 'que' (no accent) for connecting ideas and comparing.
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Qué' vs. 'Cuál'
Mistake: "Asking '¿Qué es tu nombre?' is a common error from English."
Correction: When asking for specific information like a name or phone number, use 'cuál': '¿Cuál es tu nombre?' Use 'qué' to ask for a definition: '¿Qué es un nombre?' (What is a noun?).
⭐ Usage Tips
Express Yourself!
'Qué' + an adjective is a super common way to express opinions. '¡Qué rico!' (How delicious!), '¡Qué interesante!' (How interesting!).
Like making a wish, 'que' can start a sentence that expresses a hope, a desire, or an indirect command.
que (Command & Wish Starter)
📝 In Action
¡Que te diviertas!
B1Have fun! (Literally: May you have fun!)
Que tengas un buen día.
A2Have a good day.
Que entre el siguiente paciente.
B2Let the next patient come in.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Wishing' Verb Form
This use of 'que' is a shortcut for saying 'I hope that...' or 'I want that...'. The verb that follows it uses a special form for wishes (called the subjunctive).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong Verb Form
Mistake: "Using a normal verb form like 'tienes' after 'Que'."
Correction: This structure needs the special 'wishing' form: 'Que tengas un buen día,' not 'Que tienes...'
⭐ Usage Tips
Everyday Wishes
This is very common for everyday good wishes. Think of it as a polite, friendly way to say what you hope for someone else.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: que
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'que' to mean 'than'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single biggest rule for 'que' vs. 'qué'?
It's all about the accent! If you are asking a question (What? When? How?) or making an exclamation (What a day! How nice!), use 'qué' with an accent. For everything else, like connecting ideas ('the man that...') or comparing ('taller than...'), use 'que' with no accent.
Why do I see 'de que' sometimes? What's the difference?
That's a great question for intermediate learners! Some verbs need the little word 'de' before 'que'. For example, 'estar seguro de que' (to be sure that). This is a tricky topic called 'dequeísmo', but for now, just learn these as complete phrases and you'll be fine.
Do I always need 'que' in sentences like 'I hope you are well'?
Yes, almost always. While in English you can say 'I hope you are well', in Spanish you must include the connector: 'Espero que estés bien'. Leaving it out is a very common mistake for English speakers.