How to use LO QUE in Spanish

In this video, you'll learn all about the Spanish phrase 'lo que'.
Specifically, you'll learn how to use this phrase in 3 different contexts including why this phrase is so difficult and how frequently it occurs in the languages.
Here is a quick preview of what you’ll learn:
- How frequently 'lo que' appears in Spanish
- Why this phrase is challenging for students at all levels.
- How 'lo que' can be translated into English
- How we can use use 'lo que' in 3 important contexts
- A situation where we need to avoid 'lo que'
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[@realfastspanish]

Something I didn't discuss in the video is "that which". A number of students have suggested this as a possible translation of "lo que", while that is sometimes true, I don't recommend it because "that which" can also be "el que", "la que", "los que, or "las que". If we stick to "what", "whatever" and "that" for "lo que", we will develop a more intuitive understanding of how we should use "lo que" in Spanish.

[@donaldkidd9079]

Excellent quality explanation regarding the use of "lo que". WIthout this I would have happily used it before an infinitive. Now I know better!

[@marvinsanchez5341]

Que es lo que isè

[@lclayton1330]

REALLY great lesson! I just subscribed because of this. Really clear, great examples. Been living in a Span speaking nation for a few years and been teaching myself. This clearly answered why I kept reading "lo que" and not "que". Gracias!

[@tromboneJTS]

"Lo que daría por volver a esos tiempos." "What I wouldn't give to go back to the old days."

[@reinajamtv]

The best translation of lo que is "the thing that" or "that which"

[@augustolegal]

This is exactly why we need a teacher who studied the language, I, as a native Spanish speaker, can not explain this. Great job, great video, great channel.

[@ChochiT0-ddd7fd]

I can't explain it either. I just know how and when to use "lo que".

[@JimPaul0627]

I'm intermediate in Spanish but translating "lo que" to "That which" has worked for me.

[@charmantcoeur]

I can only imagine how much longer it takes to make a video when you’re splicing in dozens of one second clips from native speakers, but it makes these videos sooooo much more valuable. Thank you!

[@nortesur9504]

This guy is a real prove you don't need to be a native speaker to teach a foreign language.. Proud of you young man... Greetings from Colombia South America!

[@realfastspanish]

Thank you 😊

[@NattyNarwhaal]

In fact, most native speakers are oblivious to all these details. I know I am. A language teacher is a professional who's an expert at the language and its intricacies, specifically the things that students tend to struggle with.

[@frankbank0892]

I really like your style. Spanish was actually my first language but once we moved away from the extended family, we children were robbed of maintaining it into adulthood. I am now trying to reclaim this valuable gift.

[@dancersbythesea5656]

I have been reading several books in Spanish. I am between an A2/B1 level and I have been noticing many patterns of the language and the one that jumped out at me was "lo que". I have a private tutor who is a native speaker living in Mexico City and when I asked him about what "lo que" meant in a sentence, he paused. He said that we would cover it on the next lesson. Well, he provided me with a very wonderful lesson not only with "lo que", but with "la que", "los que", "las que" as well with examples and exercises, but I felt that I while I could recognize it's use (and meaning) in sentences, I wasn't quite able to create my own sentences using "lo que". Your video was the PERFECT piece of information that I needed. I will surprise him at my next session with him and use "lo que" in a few sentences...wish me luck!

[@lynnhorner7646]

I have been studying w/ tutors, reading, subscribing to numberous learning sites and language exchange sites, and I think I am a B1 still..... becoming fluent is an exercise is resiliency and dedication.... best of luck to you, and keep on going!

[@alejomancini9174]

Even though I'm a native Spanish speaker I got engaged with the video as if I wasn't. We don't get to learn this super interesting things of our own language at school so you're not just teaching non native speakers you're also teaching the ones that are supposed to know the language already hahahaha thanks a lot! I'm gonna recommend this channel to my friends learning the Spanish language.

[@cosmodusty]

been studying for a few years, im somewhere between level B2 and C1, and i STILL hadn't figured out "lo que." this was so helpful dude, thank you so much!!

[@bass_rhino]

This has cleared up the difficulty I have had between when to use lo que or qué which I haven’t seen explained anywhere else.

[@lynnhorner7646]

I have been diligently studying Spanish 2 to 5 hours a day, everyday for over 2 and a half years. I have tried to avoid native English speakers when studying Spanish, but I have to hand it to you, in just a few videos you have cleared up many points of confusion for me, and for a gringo accent, your pronunciation is not bad at all.... subscribed, and going to register for your newsletter as well...Thanks for the helpful videos

[@emilianofuentes4129]

I love your content! I am a Spanish native speaker from Mexico and I have to mention another use of 'lo que' when it comes to emphasize a question. We use 'lo que' together with the verb 'ser' to emphasize a question either in present or past tense. Example with present tense: ¡¿Qué *es lo que* haces?! = What the hell are you doing?! (The question '¿Qué haces?' is a normal question asking about the things you are doing, but when adding 'lo que' after 'ser' we understand you are asking with concern or anger). Example with past tense: ¿Qué fue lo que le dijiste? = You have to tell me now what you told him! We can even use 'lo que' with 'ser' in a question in future tense, but in that case, we aren't talking about the future or emphasizing the question, but we are asking about a doubt we have. Example: ¿Que será lo que está cocinando mi mamá? = I wonder what my mom is cooking. We also can use 'estar' in future tense (estará) instead of 'será lo que': ¿Qué estará cocinando mi mamá? meaning absolutely the same thing.

[@realfastspanish]

Thanks for sharing Emiliano! 😀

[@TuscanWonder]

¿Qué es la que hay?

[@conradkaita9184]

This man is a really good teacher. He’s breaking down Spanish well. It’s helping me a lot more.

[@estheravshalom1852]

wow!!! this man is an excellent teacher!

[@beedle556]

I’m at a year of learning spanish, pretty high intermedian and this channel explains things better then any other video.

[@realfastspanish]

Thanks for the kind words!! 😊

[@jamesfreese4700]

Good video-good explanation of lo que y how to use!!!!

[@warrenstates8955]

Andrew, I absolutely LOVED this video..I wrote 4 pages of notes on this. Thanks so much for all the amazing content that you provide your subscribers! I am also enjoying the classes that are offered at Real Fast Spanish!

[@realfastspanish]

Thanks for the feedback and the kind words Warren! 😊

[@ruzicaruane6395]

Fantastic lesson! Thank you.

[@kellysoo8615]

Estoy de acuerdo! I studied 3 years of Spanish in high school and always failed with "lo que", "por lo que", versus plain jane "que". Gracias por esta leccion.

[@bakerxpops5570]

That’s cool 😎

[@susannawong6360]

Andrew, you are an amazing teacher. Everything is made crystal clear. Thanks.

[@michaelbeauparlant4373]

This is so much clearer then it was 5 months ago! Teacher You are doing your job! thank you!

[@jeffsartadventure3634]

Loving this channel for it's unique approach and clear explanations of some otherwise baffling concepts. Gracias por todo!

[@susanmurray6615]

Thank you so much for your invaluable videos. One comes into my mail box each Thursday and I love them all - you have a fabulous way of explaining common challenges in an easy way - thank you!!!

[@ScottLive1]

Fascinating topic with the best explanation I have never seen

[@anderoanderson5370]

Brillante, gracias por todo. Me gusta mucho lo que ha explicado.

[@valleriedearden7446]

What a clear explanation! This has confused me in the past, but no longer.

[@garrymontgomery2033]

A great explanatory video! Because I learned English more than half a century ago, when we used to say, "I want to achieve that which they have achieved ( instead of substituting "what" or "that"), the use was very obvious. A good test for "lo que" - if you can comfortably substitute "that which" for the substitute "what" or "that" then "lo que" is a go!

[@Philosopearl]

Absolute brilliance! Gracias muchísimas. 🙏

[@CynthiaAbadMancheno]

Great video for someone living in Spain and trying to learn each day, thank you!

[@MikeKeighley-td8wd]

Thank you so very much for making you training and explanation videos publicly available on KZbin. they are so very helpful in my quest to reach a conversational level of Spanish. Each topic is covered comprehensively, is very clear and easy to understand. I feel i have improved so much since i found these resources. Being a UK resident, I only wish your online courses were more in tune with GMT. Thank you

[@evanhansen4768]

I really appreciate your work. You teach in an awesome and easy to understand way! I just discovered your channel 3 days ago and I've already watched and taken notes on all your explanation videos, but I'm sad to see you haven't posted in 4 months... Keep it up, because more videos would be awesome!

[@paulfaulkner6299]

In my head I substitute "That which" for 'lo que' eg lo que quiero = That which I want; lo que pasó = That which happened; lo que espero = that which I hoped (or waited for)

[@NoaNoir]

Todavía uno de los mejores videos sobre este tema

[@alfredbulac3287]

I've been thinking this for three months on how should I use "lo que" in a complx sentence but I'm surprised that all my questions were answered by just a 15 minute video. Thank you so much, this is very informative and it really answered all my questions.

[@joey_888_]

I have just found your channel, I have been studying Spanish for 2 years and slowly increasing my vocabulary and linking words. Learning 'LO QUE' is a HUGE GAMECHANGER! 👏🏼🙌🏼👍🏼 Muchícimas Gracis por tu video 😁

[@ianperez5122]

The infinitive verb explanation ....es lo que necesitaba

[@shaymckelvey1478]

Esto era lo que necesitaba! Gracias!!

[@ctrl_alt_del4038]

Looking forward to your video on the use of the personal "a". I have to say, you're one darn good teacher. Keep it up!

[@brittonolet]

Another great video, and I’ve been enjoying learning with each on I’ve watched! I’ve been studying and learning for over a year now, and I really like how you break down each concept being discussed and make it understandable!

[@mistyann3321]

Last night around 3 a.m. I was watching this video and that last part went over my head ... "because I was sleepy" lol .... but now I just went back and a bell went off ....... Awesome video .... it totally makes sense. Thank you for walking us through :)

[@user-fp5nb8hw4c]

I like the way you teach. It helps me a lot. And the clips are wonderful. Making it twice would be great. Thanks a lot.

[@lolymireles1268]

Andrew I love you!! your explanations, your accent, everything!!!

[@realfastspanish]

Thank you! 😃

[@jonathanzepeda6048]

This was awsome! 3 months into Spanish. I’ve tried to learn a 100 times In life and this is the first time it has stuck. Have literally immersed myself since I’ve returned from Mexico for my first time as an adult. Returning in the end of the year

[@Realunitedstates]

Brilliant, clear, and understandable. This is truly well done.

[@tacolai]

Lo que estudio más claro ‘Lo que y que” hasta ahora es tu enseñando! Gracias

[@captainmika3932]

This is so awesome.. ¡Muchas gracias señor!

[@paulsheen8646]

Another great video Andrew. The way you presented this has made it so clear to me how to use Lo que in the future

[@shangobunni5]

This is just excellent! Thank you for the crystal clear explanation.

[@sysmith5436]

Your explanations in these videos are fantastic.

[@gorkemozer9760]

Dear Andrew, thank you very much for the video. I guess, a kind and patient teacher is key for me to learn a foreign language.

[@danielsmith2447]

I have been going through Pimsluer Spanish for several months now, your videos are so helpful.

[@darrylbyrne5425]

This is amazing, I can't tell you how happy I am to have found this video thank you very much my friend

[@jdozier3459]

Excellent lesson on "lo que"...¡muchísimo gracias!

[@curtisgarcia2923]

"Muchísimas gracias"

[@mervegul2604]

You are amazing teacher! Finally, i could get the topic well. İ ll be waiting more than these videos. While i m listening to you, i can listening practice Both English and Spanish. Muchas Gracias!

[@garrymontgomery2033]

A great lesson. First time through it was interesting and informative but the second look weeks later provided a wealth of deeper, valuable information . Tnank you!

[@alphahorn6163]

I like this guy!!! I am a beginner and I think I may be hooked on his great teachings!

[@andrzejbanas7261]

Superb lesson. Finally, I know for sure when to use and when not to use lo que , instead of relying on my gut feeling (the so called natural method). Again, I must stress that knowing other languages (other than English and Spanish) helps me sorting out these kind of issues.

[@cealmufa]

Estimado profe disfruto muchos sus clases, soy estudiante y profesor a la vez de ingles intermedio y sus clases me ayudan mucho a mejorar mi ingles!!!! Ya que sus explicaciones sobre el español que hace en ingles son muy claras!!! Osea que lo que aprendo usted es mucho!!! Se cuida Profe!!

[@lisahoy1811]

I have to say that this was the most informative and easy to follow explanation that I’ve found. Thank you!

[@daisukeyamamoto6029]

Este video es muy fácil para entender la manera de usar LO QUE. En otra vez querría saber una diferencia de CUÁL y CUAL. Muchas gracias por tú video!

[@MarkJNewton]

Me gusta mucho este video - Es precisamente lo que quería!

[@rjlecuona]

I like the old fashioned translation of Lo que as “that which”. It helps distinguish between qué (what, interrogative) and Lo que ( that which, relative pronoun)

[@realfastspanish]

Yes, this is common! But, I wished I had explained in the video that the problem with “that which” is that it can also translate to “el que”, “la que”, “los que” or “las que”. If I could do this video again, I would’ve explained this.

[@JohnSmith-vy2jb]

Esa fue una gran explicacíon , gracías señor

[@Jinka1950]

You are a fabulous, precise and clear. Thank you so much!!!

[@KittyVentura]

Thank you! Very clearly explained! 🙏👍

[@madhuniboriya5236]

Really helpful…I appreciate your hard work and the easy understanding content that you create for your subscribers…much love from INDIA🇮🇳

[@frederickniditch4204]

Lo que.. Un excelente video sobre un tema gramatical bastante dificil tanto para los hispanohablantes como para los extranjeros. Muy bien hecho!

[@gregwatkins5980]

Just discovered your site. Thanks so much! You have a real talent for clarifying difficult concepts!

[@pdaniel5010]

Best explanation of something I didn’t know I NEEDED to know! You made this easy! Definitely got a new subscriber! THANK YOU!!!!

[@computingfoundations3499]

Wow! Thank you so much! I discovered your video when I was explicitly searching "when do I need to use 'lo que'?" The video was PERFECT to help me disambiguate use of "lo" as a direct object vs in this awkward "lo que" formation.

[@realfastspanish]

I'm glad it helped! 😊

[@InvestingForTomorrow24]

Simply fabulous. This will help immensely to not annoy Spanish speakers who are trying to translate my ignorant errors.

[@ievgend87]

It was really hard to find a decent Spanish teacher online. I’m glad I did. Thumbs up.

[@realfastspanish]

Thanks for the kind words Domin!! 😃

[@patrickpaulsen6401]

Andrew...muy claro! Gracias

[@hanook4200]

Gracias for this simple explanation.. I finally got it.

[@jaykotua9424]

Este video me ha enseñado a cómo usar “Lo que”en inglés, por cierto tu español es tan bueno! 👏🏻

[@reynoldgooding7626]

¿ Por qué se usa "a" despues enseñado?Es mejor sin la "a"; Este video me ha enseñado como usar " lo que" en español. Y también como usar "what" en inglés.

[@gerlautamr.656]

​@@reynoldgooding7626 Hello, I'm Mexican. From the way he wrote all of his comment, I would say he's not a native Spanish speaker, because it would've been better to say "tu español es muy bueno, or "tu spañol es bastante bueno", instead of using the word "tan" in this case. As for your question, the way he said "me ha enseñado a como usar..." is not wrong altogether, but there are 2 more proper ways to say it: 1."me ha enseñado a usar..." 2."me ha enseñado como usar..." Although nobody could say the way he said it is wrong, it certainly sounds a bit "unatural" so to speak. I hope I've made myself understood, since I'm still learning English.

[@reynoldgooding7626]

@ Gerlautam R; Muchas gracias por tu repuesta.Estoy de acuerdo con tus oraciones.Me alegro de recibir una repuesta de mexico. Soy, tambien un estudiante de español . Mi maestra favorita de You Tube es " Butterfly Spanish", pero escucho a muchos profesores para mejorar mi español. Tu inglés, tambien, es muy bueno.¡Felicidades. Soy de trinidad y tobago.. Bueños días.

[@rickbosan6187]

Mucho gracious por tu respuesta Jay. Puedomos hablar? Yo quiero aprendiendo mas espanol.

[@rickbosan6187]

@@gerlautamr.656 mucho gracious por tu ayudar Gerlautam. Estoy aprendiendo espanol. Me buscando por alguin con hablar. Puede ayudar Gerlautam?

[@carolynmathews4606]

Great explanation & examples! Thank you!

[@katelynwhite414]

Thank you so much for your videos! You’re helping me so much ☺️

[@nikolaradakovic5050]

you mr. are such a high profile teacher, love your didactic approach

[@jacquirozdoba7594]

Great help. Such a clear explanation. Thank you!

[@jonathonengelien5614]

Literally the most helpful video on this topic! Instantly subscribed!!

[@realfastspanish]

Awesome, thank you!

[@sarbanibhattacharjee5098]

This video is really great ------esto es lo que quise saber siempre

[@gerlautamr.656]

Bien dicho.

[@spanischmitvicky]

You really gave a good explanation in this video. I´m a Spanish teacher in Germany, so I know how hard it is for the students to understand and use "lo que". You are a very good teacher!

[@realfastspanish]

Thank you for the kind words Vicky!! 😊

[@Homoskedastic1]

you are a very impressive teacher - thank you!

[@therelationshipmessenger-u6838]

Muchas Gracias por este leccion

[@jansonleung3393]

Sir, you are a legend! Muchas gracias!

[@realfastspanish]

Thanks for the kind words! 😊

[@carlosgalvez9312]

Great video!!! I've looking for a way to explain to my students the uses of "lo" and "lo que" so I will show this video next week. Love the calm and clear way you explain the whole concept. BUEN TRABAJO!!!

[@realfastspanish]

Thanks Carlos! 😊

[@jackkirnan6616]

Best teacher i have found yet.!!!! More videos please. More info please on your studies.

[@realfastspanish]

Thanks Jack! 🙏

[@gordigordis02]

Me encantó, gracias creo que a mis estudiantes les ayudará muchísimo

[@remsmith3233]

Great and useful presentation for intermediate español users .

[@ruzicaruane6395]

Fantastic lesson! Thank you.

[@94435667]

¡Guau! Esta presentación es por mucho la mejor que he visto, y ahora finalmente entiendo cómo usar "lo que". ¡Muchas gracias!

[@realfastspanish]

¡Me alegro mucho! 😊

[@Iamso4u]

Incredibly helpful.

[@kennethezzell2422]

Thank you for the great lesson. I am a beginner and have seen "lo que" translated as what, whatever, that and which. For what it is worth, I've been trying to see it (for English speakers) as a Spanish shorthand for saying "the one which (or that)" with considerable success.

[@michaelbodine9240]

Awesome lesson! Esto es lo que necesitaba!

[@danelundy4795]

Un video de calidad. He estado estudiando con un tipo de estudio más inmersivo, pero me gusta cómo presenta una información y una explicación más detallada y formal.

[@realfastspanish]

¡Gracias Dane!

[@ramialhamad8768]

I only watched this video and already you became my favorite Spanish teaching channel, the amount of work put in this is marvelous.. please explain the use of “de que” thank you :)

[@joemcmonagle4533]

Great video! Great teacher!

[@chriswilcocks8485]

Brilliant explanation. Thankyou.

[@KettleCamping]

Lo que enseñas en este vídeo es muy útil ¡Gracias! Un saludo desde Canadá 👍

[@realfastspanish]

Muchas gracias 🙏

[@kdm12701]

Excellent, thorough and engaging lesson.

[@realfastspanish]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pep590]

Thank you. it is much clearer now.

[@RodGibsonMusic]

Lo que mas gusta de tus videos es tu carisma!

[@realfastspanish]

Muchas gracias :)

[@123zindzhi]

That was an excellent lesson. I was so confused until I watched. Now I completely understand lo que. THANK YOU!

[@Ticedacreepa]

Yo Tambien!