con que
Lemma Details
Translation: provided that; as long as; so that; with which
Part of Speech: conjunction
Etymology: Derived from the combination of the preposition 'con' (with) and the relative pronoun 'que' (that/which). The construction has evolved to serve both as a conditional conjunction and a relative phrase depending on context. When written as 'con que' (two words), it typically functions as a preposition + relative pronoun. When written as 'conque' (one word), it functions as a consecutive conjunction meaning 'so', 'therefore', or 'so then'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Con que estudies una hora al día, aprobarás el examen.
Provided that you study one hour a day, you will pass the exam.
Con que llegues a tiempo, será suficiente.
As long as you arrive on time, it will be enough.
Este es el lápiz con que escribí la carta.
This is the pencil with which I wrote the letter.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'con que' as 'with what' or 'with which' to remember its function as a preposition + relative pronoun.
- For the conditional meaning, think of saying 'I'll be happy WITH (con) THAT (que) condition being met.'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Used frequently in both written and spoken Spanish to express conditions or to introduce relative clauses. Understanding the distinction between 'con que' (two words) and 'conque' (one word) is important for proper usage in Spanish.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Con que' (two words) typically means 'provided that' or 'with which', while 'conque' (one word) is a consecutive conjunction meaning 'so', 'therefore', or 'so then'.
Notes: The spelling difference is subtle but changes the function completely. 'Con que' introduces a condition or a relative clause, while 'conque' introduces a consequence or conclusion.
Mnemonic: Two words ('con que') = two meanings (condition or relative); one word ('conque') = one meaning (consequence).
Explanation: 'Con que' introduces a sufficient condition for something to happen, while 'aunque' introduces a concession (meaning 'although' or 'even though').
This word:
Con que llueva un poco, cancelarán el partido.
If it rains even a little, they'll cancel the game.
Notes: These conjunctions express opposite relationships between clauses: 'con que' establishes a sufficient condition, while 'aunque' indicates that something will happen despite a condition.
Mnemonic: 'Con que' sets a condition that leads to a result; 'aunque' acknowledges a condition but denies its expected result.