A relative clause can refer to something without naming it first.
The idea
Use lo que to mean the thing that or what; the clause can be a subject or an object.
Examples
- Entiendo lo que dices.I understand what you say.
- Lo que necesito está aquí.What I need is here.
- No olvides lo que prometiste.Do not forget what you promised.
- Lo que importa es escuchar.What matters is listening.
- Compartimos lo que encontramos.We share what we find.
- Lo que pasó sorprendió a todos.What happened surprised everyone.
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Watch out
Do not confuse relative lo que with the accented question word qué in a direct question.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct form: Comeremos ___ prepares. (lo que / qué)
Show answer or example answer
lo que
lo que: the thing being prepared is not named.
Choose the correct form: ___ ocurrió nos alegró. (Lo que / Qué)
Show answer or example answer
lo que
lo que: the fact that happened is the subject.
Choose the correct form: ¿___ preparas para la cena? (Qué / Lo que)
Show answer or example answer
qué
qué: this is a direct question.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the correct form: Comeremos ___ prepares. (lo que / qué)
Choose the correct form: ___ ocurrió nos alegró. (Lo que / Qué)
Choose the correct form: ¿___ preparas para la cena? (Qué / Lo que)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write one sentence about what matters and one about what you need.