lo que
Lemma Details
Translation: what; that which; which; the thing that
Part of Speech: pronoun
Etymology: "Lo que" is a combination of two elements: "lo" (the neuter definite article) and "que" (the relative pronoun). The neuter article "lo" derives from Latin "illud" (that, neuter form), while "que" comes from Latin "quod/quem" (which/that). Together they form a construction that refers to abstract concepts or ideas rather than specific nouns.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of "lo que" as "the what" - "lo" (the) + "que" (what/that).
- Remember that "lo que" refers to ideas or concepts, not specific objects.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
"Lo que" is a fundamental construction in Spanish used to introduce relative clauses referring to abstract concepts or situations rather than specific nouns. It's essential for expressing complex thoughts and is used across all Spanish-speaking regions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While "lo que" refers to abstract concepts or ideas, "el que" refers to a masculine noun previously mentioned.
Notes: "Lo que" is invariable, while "el que" can change to "la que", "los que", or "las que" depending on the gender and number of the noun it refers to.
Mnemonic: "Lo que" is for abstract things (what), "el que" points to specific masculine things (the one that).
Explanation: "Que" alone is a relative pronoun that connects clauses, while "lo que" specifically refers to abstract concepts or ideas.
Notes: "Que" directly follows a noun it modifies, while "lo que" can start a clause or sentence.
Mnemonic: "Lo que" stands alone as "what/that which", while simple "que" needs a noun before it.