If you’ve ever tried to ask a question in Spanish and hesitated between using “qué” or “cuál”, you’re not alone. These two little interrogative words often translate to “what” or “which” in English, but their uses don’t map cleanly onto English equivalents. Below, we’ll break down exactly what each of these Spanish words means, and when to use one instead of the other. So, you’ll soon be able to confidently choose the right word every time.
“Qué” almost always translates to “what”. It is generally used to ask what something is, what something means, what kind or type something is or to request a definition or explanation. It’s broad and open-ended, with the questioner usually inviting the respondent to provide general information rather than to choose from a specific set.
“Cuál” also almost always translates to either “what” or “which”, hence the confusion and the when to use “cuál” vs “qué” debate. With “cuál”, though, the underlying meaning is usually closer to “which”, even if it can also mean “what”. That’s because the questioner usually invites the respondent to select from a known or implied set of options.
Although both “qué” and “cuál” can translate to “what”, their usage depends on the type of information being requested. Think of it this way:
This becomes clearer when we break down individual patterns.
When to use “qué” in Spanish? Opt for this word when you’re asking for a definition, explanation or general information. When the possible options are broad or potentially unlimited, “qué” is the way to go.
For example, when you’re asking for definitions or explanations, with a variety of possible answers, you’d use “qué” + “ser”, like so:
When you’re enquiring about general information or preferences, but you don’t want to give any pre-selected options, you can use “qué” and whatever verb fits, like so:
When asking about groups of very different items, or to select from a heterogeneous group, “qué” is still the right fit.
So, when to use “cuál” in Spanish? You should use it when demanding a specific answer from a set of options or a known category, such as the specific name or type of something or someone.
For example, when you’re requesting personal information from someone, the structure is often “cuál” + “ser”, or “cuales” + “ser” if expecting multiple answers, like so:
When asking someone a question for which there is a finite or homogenous group of options, you can use “cuál” and whatever verb fits, like so:
Perhaps by now we’re a little clearer as to when to use “qué” vs “cuál” in Spanish. Essentially,
This is despite the fact that in English the word for all of the above is often “what”. Spanish separates these in a more distinct way, with the implication being that if the answer belongs to a category then you respond to “cual” because you are selecting from a stated or implied and known set.
As you practise using both of these question words during your Spanish learning journey, whether on that’s through online Spanish courses or by taking Spanish courses in Madrid, the different uses will become clearer and more natural. For now, let’s focus on a few more specific situations to be aware of with both “qué” and “cuál”.
With the verb “ser”, the words “qué” and “cuál” behave differently depending on whether you want a definition or a selection. “Qué” pairs with “ser” when you want someone to explain or define something, as in “¿Qué es la biodiversidad?” (“What is biodiversity?”). In contrast, “cuál” is used when the answer is a particular detail from a set, even if the set isn’t explicitly stated. For example, asking “¿Cuál es tu carrera?” (“What is your degree?”) expects one specific option from the range of possible university degrees.
With verbs other than “ser”, “qué” is generally more common because it introduces questions seeking broader information, such as “¿Qué estudias?” (“What are you studying?”). “Cuál” still appears sometimes, when someone is choosing from defined options or when the expected answer is a specific item within a group. For example, “¿Cuál prefieres llevar?” (“Which do you prefer to take?”) implies an existing set of choices, even if they aren’t listed.
Only “qué” can be placed directly before a noun, which is why Spanish uses structures like “¿Qué película viste?” (“What movie did you watch?”). “Cuál” cannot directly modify a noun, in normal use. If you want to ask which one of a certain group of nouns somebody would choose, it’s necessary to pair“cuál” with “de”. For example, you could say “¿Cuál de las películas viste?” (“Which of the movies did you watch?”).
Although both “qué de” and “cuál de” can precede a noun phrase, they serve different purposes. “Qué de” asks about quantity or type in a broad sense, as in “¿Qué de tiempo necesitas para terminar?” (“How much time do you need to finish?”). It invites an open-ended response rather than a selection. “Cuál de”, on the other hand, is used when choosing from a defined group. For example, “¿Cuál de tus clases es la más difícil?” (“Which of your classes is the hardest?”). Here, the speaker already knows the set of options and wants to identify one item within it. In short, “qué de” expands the possibilities, while “cuál de” narrows them to a clearer and more specific list.
