Que Vs Qué in Spanish

by

Que Vs Qué in Spanish

To properly distinguish between “que” and “qué” in Spanish, one must keep in mind the following:
– “Que” without an accent is a conjunction meaning “that” or “which.”
– “Qué” with an accent is an interrogative pronoun meaning “what” or “which.”

How to Say Que Vs Qué in Spanish

Introduction

One of the challenges that many Spanish learners face is understanding the difference between the words “que” and “qué.” While they may look similar, they have distinct meanings and uses in the Spanish language. In this article, we will dive into the differences between “que” and “qué” and provide examples to help you grasp their correct usage.

Que

The word “que” in Spanish is a conjunction that is used to connect two clauses. It can be translated as “that” or “which” in English. “Que” is often used to link a subordinate clause to the main clause in a sentence. It is important to note that “que” does not have an accent mark.Let’s look at some examples:1. Estoy seguro que ella vendrá. (I am sure that she will come.)2. El libro que leí era muy interesante. (The book that I read was very interesting.)3. No entiendo por qué estás tan cansado. (I don’t understand why you are so tired.)In the first example, “que” connects the subordinate clause “ella vendrá” to the main clause “Estoy seguro.” In the second example, “que” links the book (which the speaker read) to the adjective “interesante.” Lastly, in the third example, “por qué” is used as a phrase meaning “why” and is translated as “que” in English.

Qué

On the other hand, “qué” is an interrogative word in Spanish. It is used to ask questions or express surprise or uncertainty. Unlike “que,” “qué” does have an accent mark to indicate a rising intonation when pronounced.Here are some examples:1. ¿Qué hora es? (What time is it?)2. ¡No puedo creer qué bonito es este lugar! (I can’t believe how beautiful this place is!)3. ¿Vas a la fiesta? ¡Qué bien! (Are you going to the party? How nice!)In the first example, “qué” is used to ask a question about the time. In the second example, “qué” expresses surprise about the beauty of a place. Lastly, in the third example, “qué bien” is translated as “how nice” and is used to express approval or excitement.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between “que” and “qué” is essential for Spanish learners. Remember, “que” is a conjunction that connects clauses, while “qué” is an interrogative word that asks questions or expresses surprise. With practice, you will become more familiar with their correct usage in various contexts. Keep engaging with the Spanish language and make sure to read and listen to a lot of Spanish to reinforce your understanding of these words. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
Desayunos