One of the most common questions Spanish learners ask is, “When should I use qué, and when should I use cuál?”
Although both can sometimes translate as “what” in English, they are not interchangeable.
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Qué is generally used when asking for a definition, explanation, identification, or the name of something.
For example:
¿Qué es esto?
(What is this?)
¿Qué haces?
(What are you doing?)
¿Qué significa esta palabra?
(What does this word mean?)
In each case, the speaker is asking for information rather than choosing between options.
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Cuál is different.
It is used when selecting from a known or limited set of options.
For example:
¿Cuál quieres?
(Which one do you want?)
¿Cuál es tu libro favorito?
(Which is your favourite book?)
¿Cuál es tu número de teléfono?
(What is your phone number?)
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Although the last example translates as “what” in English, Spanish uses cuál because the answer comes from a specific set of possible phone numbers.
A simple way to remember the difference is this:
Use qué when asking “What is it?” or “What does it mean?”
Use cuál when asking someone to identify or choose from existing options.
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Choosing between these two question words is often difficult for beginners because English uses “what” in many different situations.
The more Spanish you read and hear, the more natural this distinction becomes.
Questions with Interrogative Words in Spanish
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