Defining clauses in Spanish are relative clauses that provide essential information about a noun, specifying exactly which person or thing is being referred to.
In Spanish, defining clauses (also known as restrictive relative clauses) use relative pronouns to introduce information that is essential for identifying the noun they modify. These clauses cannot be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence.
- The most common relative pronouns are que, quien/quienes, and el que/la que/los que/las que.
- The clause immediately follows the noun it modifies.
- No commas are used to set off defining clauses.
Cláusulas de Definición
Las cláusulas de definición son un tipo de cláusula relativa que especifica o identifica un sustantivo de manera esencial. En español, estas cláusulas se introducen con pronombres relativos y no van entre comas.
- La información es crucial para entender de quién o qué se habla.
- La cláusula sigue directamente al sustantivo modificado.
- Ejemplo: El libro que está en la mesa es mío. (Solo ese libro es mío.)
Spanish Relative Pronouns
Below are the key relative pronouns used in defining clauses, along with when to use each:
| Pronombre Relativo | Uso | Ejemplo en Español | Ejemplo en Inglés |
|---|---|---|---|
| que | Personas o cosas | La casa que compré es grande. | The house that I bought is big. |
| quien/quienes | Personas (después de preposición o en sujetos formales) | La mujer a quien vi es doctora. | The woman whom I saw is a doctor. |
| el que / la que / los que / las que | Personas o cosas (más formal o para aclarar) | El que llegó tarde se disculpó. | The one who arrived late apologized. |
Using “Que” for People and Things
“Que” is the most common relative pronoun in Spanish and can refer to both people and things. It cannot be preceded by a preposition; if there is a preposition, use “quien” or “el que”/“la que” etc.
- El hombre que habla es mi tío.* (The man who is speaking is my uncle.)
- El libro que leo es interesante.* (The book that I’m reading is interesting.)
Can the relative pronoun "que" be used to refer to people? If so, under what condition?
Yes, it can refer to people (and things) as long as there is no preposition.
'Que' is the default pronoun for both people and things in defining clauses, but it cannot be used directly after a preposition.
Using “Quien” and “Quienes” for People
“Quien” (singular) and “quienes” (plural) refer only to people. They are often used after prepositions (a, de, con, etc.) and in more formal contexts.
- La persona a quien llamé no contestó.* (The person whom I called didn’t answer.)
- Los amigos con quienes salgo son simpáticos.* (The friends I go out with are nice.)
Using “El que” / “La que” / “Los que” / “Las que”
These forms are more formal or used to clarify and can refer to people or things. They also follow prepositions.
- El que estudia pasa el examen.* (The one who studies passes the exam.)
- La que viene conmigo es mi hermana.* (The one who comes with me is my sister.)
Example Table
| Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|
| La mujer que trabaja aquí es amable. | The woman who works here is kind. |
| El libro que compré es viejo. | The book that I bought is old. |
| Los estudiantes que llegaron tarde no entraron. | The students who arrived late didn’t get in. |
| La persona a quien llamé no estaba. | The person whom I called wasn’t there. |
| El que tiene preguntas, que levante la mano. | Whoever has questions, raise your hand. |
Summary
- Defining clauses give essential information to identify a noun.
- Use que for people and things (unless there’s a preposition).
- Use quien/quienes for people, especially after prepositions.
- Use el que/la que/los que/las que for clarity or formality, especially after prepositions.
- No commas are used around defining clauses.
Understanding defining clauses is key to creating precise and clear sentences in Spanish.
What is the main difference between using 'que' and 'quien/quienes' in Spanish defining clauses?
'Que' is used for people and things without a preposition, while 'quien/quienes' are used for people after prepositions or in formal contexts.
'Que' is the general relative pronoun, but it cannot follow prepositions. 'Quien/quienes' are reserved for people when a preposition is present or when formality is required.
Flashcards (1 of 5)
- English Example: The woman who works here is kind.
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
