Relative clauses in Spanish come in two main types: defining and non-defining. Defining relative clauses provide essential information about the noun, directly linking it to the rest of the sentence—without them, the meaning would be incomplete. They do not use commas. Non-defining relative clauses, on the other hand, add extra information that could be omitted without changing the core meaning of the sentence. They are always set off by commas.
- Defining: Essential info, no commas, changes meaning if removed.
- Non-defining: Extra info, with commas, meaning remains if removed.
Defining and Non-defining
No
Additional
Defining Relative Clauses
A defining relative clause (la oración de relativo especificativa) specifies exactly which person or thing we are talking about. Without the clause, the sentence would be incomplete or unclear. Defining clauses are not separated by commas.
Relative Pronouns: que, quien/quienes, el/la que, los/las que, and cuyo/a/os/as
Example:
- La mujer que habla es mi profesora.
(The woman who is speaking is my teacher.)
→ We need “que habla” to know which woman.
- Los libros que prestaste son interesantísimos.
(The books that you lent are very interesting.)
→ “Que prestaste” defines which books.
No
The meaning changes or becomes unclear
que, quien, el que, cuyo
Non-defining Relative Clauses
Non-defining relative clauses (las oraciones de relativo explicativas) add extra information that is not essential to identify the noun. You could remove the clause, and the main sentence would still make sense. Non-defining clauses are always set off by commas.
Relative Pronouns: que, quien/quienes, el/la que, los/las que; no se usa 'cuyo'
Example:
- Mi hermana, que vive en Madrid, es doctora.
(My sister, who lives in Madrid, is a doctor.)
→ You already know which sister; the clause adds info.
- Pedro, quien es muy simpático, nos ayudará.
(Pedro, who is very nice, will help us.)
→ The clause is additional information about Pedro.
No
que, quien, el que
With commas
The main sentence still makes sense; you lose extra information
'cuyo' is not used in non-defining clauses
Summary
| Feature | Defining Relative Clauses | Non-defining Relative Clauses |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Specify/identify the noun | Add extra, non-essential information |
| Commas | No | Yes |
| Effect of Removing Clause | Changes/loses meaning | Main sentence still makes sense |
| Common Pronouns | que, quien, el que, cuyo, etc. | que, quien, el que (not cuyo) |