Relative clauses are a vital component of Spanish grammar, used to add information about a noun without starting a new sentence. They help to connect ideas and provide more detail. In Spanish, relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns such as que (that/who), cual (which), quien (who), and cuyo (whose).
- Connects two ideas.
- Adds detail about a noun.
- Uses relative pronouns like que and quien.
What are common relative pronouns in Spanish?
Common relative pronouns in Spanish include Que, Quien, and Cual.
Defining Relative Clauses
Defining relative clauses specify which noun we are talking about and are essential to the sentence's meaning. Without this clause, the sentence would lose its specific reference. In Spanish, these clauses often use the pronoun que.
- Essential for sentence meaning.
- Specifies the noun.
- Used with que.
What pronoun is commonly used in defining relative clauses in Spanish?
The pronoun commonly used in defining relative clauses is Que.
What happens if you remove a defining relative clause?
If you remove a defining relative clause, the sentence loses its specific reference.
Examples
- El libro que compré es interesante.
(The book that I bought is interesting.)
- Here, "que compré" defines which book is being talked about.
(The person who called is my sister.)
- "Que llamó" specifies which person.
Non-defining Relative Clauses
Non-defining relative clauses provide extra information that is not essential to the sentence's meaning. They can be removed without altering the main point of the sentence. In Spanish, these clauses often use que or cual and are usually set off by commas.
- Provides additional information.
- Not essential for meaning.
- Separated by commas.
How does removing a non-defining relative clause affect the sentence?
Removing a non-defining relative clause does not change the main point of the sentence.
Which pronouns are used in non-defining relative clauses?
In non-defining relative clauses, pronouns like Que and Cual are used.
Examples
- Mi hermano, que vive en Madrid, viene de visita.
(My brother, who lives in Madrid, is coming to visit.)
- "Que vive en Madrid" adds extra info but isn’t needed to identify my brother.
(The city, which is the capital, is beautiful.)
- "Cual es la capital" provides additional info about la ciudad.