Spanish: Using 'Qué' and 'Cuál/Cuáles'

Front

When to use 'Qué'?

Back

Use 'qué' when asking for definitions, explanations, descriptions of categories or types, or what something means or is.

Front

Example of 'Qué': ¿Qué es eso?

Back

What is that?

Front

Example of 'Qué': ¿Qué haces?

Back

What are you doing?

Front

Example of 'Qué': ¿Qué significa esta palabra?

Back

What does this word mean?

Front

Example of 'Qué': ¿Qué color te gusta más?

Back

What color do you like more? (choosing from a broad category)

Front

When to use 'Cuál/Cuáles'?

Back

Use 'cuál' when choosing from a known or limited set of options, asking for a specific item among several, often followed by a form of the verb 'ser' (es, son) when asking for a selection.

Front

Example of 'Cuál': ¿Cuál prefieres?

Back

Which one do you prefer?

Front

Example of 'Cuál': ¿Cuál es tu número de teléfono?

Back

What (which) is your phone number?

Front

Example of 'Cuáles': ¿Cuáles son tus libros?

Back

Which ones are your books?

Front

Rule: 'Qué + noun'

Back

Ask for type or category.