How to Say “Who” in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding how to say “who” in Spanish is crucial for asking questions, identifying people, and forming complex sentences. This seemingly simple word unlocks a wide range of communication possibilities, allowing you to inquire about identities, roles, and relationships. Mastering the nuances of quién, quiénes, a quién, and other related forms will significantly enhance your Spanish speaking and comprehension skills. This article provides a comprehensive guide to saying “who” in Spanish, suitable for beginners to advanced learners. Whether you are just starting your Spanish journey or looking to refine your grammar, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice needed to confidently use “who” in various contexts.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Quién” and Related Forms
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “Who” in Spanish
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “Quién” and Related Forms
In Spanish, “who” is primarily translated as quién (singular) and quiénes (plural). These interrogative pronouns are used to ask questions about a person or people’s identity. Understanding the distinction between the singular and plural forms is essential for correct usage. Additionally, the phrase a quién is used when “who” is the indirect object of a verb. The relative pronoun quien (which doesn’t have a plural form in this context) is used to connect clauses and refer back to a person previously mentioned.
Quién and quiénes function as interrogative pronouns, meaning they introduce questions. They specifically inquire about the identity of a person or persons. A quién, on the other hand, includes the preposition “a,” indicating that the person is the recipient of an action. Quien as a relative pronoun connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, providing more information about a person already identified.
The context of the sentence dictates which form of “who” to use. If you are asking about a single person, use quién. If you are asking about multiple people, use quiénes. If the person is the indirect object, use a quién. If you are adding information about a person already mentioned, use quien as a relative pronoun. Mastering these distinctions will significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively in Spanish.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of sentences using “who” in Spanish depends on the specific form being used. When using quién or quiénes in questions, the typical structure is: ¿Quién/Quiénes + verb + subject (optional)? For example, ¿Quién es el profesor? (Who is the teacher?) or ¿Quiénes son tus amigos? (Who are your friends?).
When using a quién, the structure is slightly different because of the preposition “a”: ¿A quién + verb + subject? For example, ¿A quién le diste el libro? (To whom did you give the book?). In this case, “a quién” is the indirect object, receiving the action of the verb.
When quien is used as a relative pronoun, it connects two clauses. The structure is: [Independent clause with a person] + quien + [dependent clause]. For example, El hombre, quien es mi vecino, es muy amable. (The man, who is my neighbor, is very kind.). Here, “quien” connects the clause “es mi vecino” to the main clause “El hombre es muy amable,” providing additional information about the man.
Understanding these structural patterns is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences. Pay close attention to the placement of the verb and subject, as well as the use of prepositions when necessary.
Practice with various sentence structures to solidify your understanding and improve your fluency.
Types and Categories of “Who” in Spanish
Quién vs. Quiénes
The primary distinction lies in number: quién is singular, referring to one person, while quiénes is plural, referring to multiple people. Using the correct form is essential for grammatical accuracy and clear communication.
Quién is used when the answer to the question is expected to be a single person. For example, ¿Quién es el presidente? (Who is the president?). Quiénes is used when the answer is expected to be more than one person. For example, ¿Quiénes van a la fiesta? (Who is going to the party?).
Consider the context carefully when choosing between quién and quiénes. If you are unsure whether the answer will be singular or plural, it is often best to rephrase the question to be more specific. This will ensure that you use the correct form and avoid confusion.
A quién
A quién includes the preposition “a,” which is necessary when “who” is the indirect object of a verb. This form is used when asking to whom something is given, shown, or done. The “a” indicates direction or recipient of the action.
For example, ¿A quién escribiste la carta? (To whom did you write the letter?). In this sentence, “a quién” receives the action of writing the letter. Similarly, ¿A quién le prestaste el dinero? (To whom did you lend the money?). Here, “a quién” is the recipient of the money.
Remember to always include the preposition “a” when “who” is the indirect object. Omitting it will result in a grammatically incorrect sentence. Pay attention to the verb being used and whether it requires an indirect object. This will help you determine when to use a quién.
Quien as a Relative Pronoun
As a relative pronoun, quien connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, providing additional information about a person already mentioned. Unlike quién and quiénes, quien does not have a plural form in this context. It always refers back to a single person.
For example, El hombre, quien es mi vecino, es muy amable. (The man, who is my neighbor, is very kind.). Here, “quien es mi vecino” is a dependent clause that provides more information about “el hombre.” Another example is: La mujer, quien trabaja aquí, es muy simpática. (The woman, who works here, is very nice.).
When using quien as a relative pronoun, it is often set off by commas. This helps to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause and improve readability. Remember that quien must refer back to a person already mentioned in the sentence.
Examples
Examples of Quién and Quiénes
The following table provides examples of quién and quiénes used in various contexts. Each example includes the Spanish sentence and its English translation. Note the difference in usage based on whether the question refers to a single person or multiple people. The examples provides a comprehensive overview of how to use these forms correctly.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| ¿Quién es el nuevo estudiante? | Who is the new student? |
| ¿Quién escribió este libro? | Who wrote this book? |
| ¿Quién está llamando? | Who is calling? |
| ¿Quién es tu actor favorito? | Who is your favorite actor? |
| ¿Quién va a limpiar la casa? | Who is going to clean the house? |
| ¿Quiénes son tus padres? | Who are your parents? |
| ¿Quiénes vienen a la cena? | Who is coming to dinner? |
| ¿Quiénes son los ganadores? | Who are the winners? |
| ¿Quiénes están de acuerdo? | Who agrees? |
| ¿Quiénes son ellos? | Who are they? |
| ¿Quién es el responsable? | Who is responsible? |
| ¿Quiénes son los miembros del equipo? | Who are the team members? |
| ¿Quién es el director de la película? | Who is the director of the movie? |
| ¿Quiénes son los autores de este artículo? | Who are the authors of this article? |
| ¿Quién es tu cantante favorito? | Who is your favorite singer? |
| ¿Quiénes son tus hermanos? | Who are your siblings? |
| ¿Quién es el dueño de este coche? | Who is the owner of this car? |
| ¿Quiénes son los vecinos nuevos? | Who are the new neighbors? |
| ¿Quién es el protagonista de la historia? | Who is the protagonist of the story? |
| ¿Quiénes son los estudiantes más inteligentes? | Who are the smartest students? |
| ¿Quién es el mejor jugador de fútbol? | Who is the best soccer player? |
| ¿Quiénes son los candidatos para el puesto? | Who are the candidates for the position? |
| ¿Quién es el chef de este restaurante? | Who is the chef of this restaurant? |
| ¿Quiénes son los invitados a la boda? | Who are the guests at the wedding? |
| ¿Quién es el líder del grupo? | Who is the leader of the group? |
| ¿Quiénes son los participantes del concurso? | Who are the participants of the contest? |
Examples of A quién
The following table provides examples of a quién used in various contexts. Each example includes the Spanish sentence and its English translation. Note how the preposition “a” indicates that “who” is the indirect object, receiving the action of the verb. These examples will help you understand when and how to correctly use this form.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| ¿A quién le diste el regalo? | To whom did you give the gift? |
| ¿A quién escribiste la carta? | To whom did you write the letter? |
| ¿A quién llamaste ayer? | Whom did you call yesterday? |
| ¿A quién le prestaste el coche? | To whom did you lend the car? |
| ¿A quién pediste ayuda? | Whom did you ask for help? |
| ¿A quién vas a visitar? | Whom are you going to visit? |
| ¿A quién le contaste el secreto? | To whom did you tell the secret? |
| ¿A quién le ofreciste el trabajo? | To whom did you offer the job? |
| ¿A quién le compraste la casa? | From whom did you buy the house? |
| ¿A quién le vendiste el coche? | To whom did you sell the car? |
| ¿A quién le enviaste el paquete? | To whom did you send the package? |
| ¿A quién le mostraste las fotos? | To whom did you show the photos? |
| ¿A quién le regalaste las flores? | To whom did you give the flowers? |
| ¿A quién le explicaste el problema? | To whom did you explain the problem? |
| ¿A quién le enseñaste la ciudad? | To whom did you show the city? |
| ¿A quién le dedicaste la canción? | To whom did you dedicate the song? |
| ¿A quién le diste las gracias? | To whom did you give thanks? |
| ¿A quién le dijiste la verdad? | To whom did you tell the truth? |
| ¿A quién le preguntaste la hora? | Whom did you ask for the time? |
| ¿A quién le dejaste las llaves? | To whom did you leave the keys? |
| ¿A quién le recomendaste este libro? | To whom did you recommend this book? |
| ¿A quién le diste tu número de teléfono? | To whom did you give your phone number? |
| ¿A quién le prestaste tu paraguas? | To whom did you lend your umbrella? |
| ¿A quién le serviste la cena? | To whom did you serve dinner? |
| ¿A quién le ofreciste tu asiento? | To whom did you offer your seat? |
Examples of Quien as a Relative Pronoun
The following table provides examples of quien used as a relative pronoun. Each example includes the Spanish sentence and its English translation. Note how quien connects the dependent clause to the independent clause, providing additional information about a person already mentioned. Pay attention to the commas that often set off the dependent clause. These examples will help you understand how to use quien to add detail and clarity to your sentences.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| El hombre, quien es mi vecino, es muy amable. | The man, who is my neighbor, is very kind. |
| La mujer, quien trabaja aquí, es muy simpática. | The woman, who works here, is very nice. |
| El estudiante, quien estudia mucho, siempre saca buenas notas. | The student, who studies a lot, always gets good grades. |
| La profesora, quien es muy paciente, nos ayuda mucho. | The teacher, who is very patient, helps us a lot. |
| El doctor, quien me atendió, es muy profesional. | The doctor, who attended to me, is very professional. |
| Mi hermano, quien vive en Madrid, viene a visitarnos. | My brother, who lives in Madrid, is coming to visit us. |
| Mi amiga, quien es abogada, me dio un buen consejo. | My friend, who is a lawyer, gave me good advice. |
| El escritor, quien ganó el premio, es muy famoso. | The writer, who won the prize, is very famous. |
| La cantante, quien tiene una voz increíble, es muy popular. | The singer, who has an incredible voice, is very popular. |
| El actor, quien protagoniza la película, es muy talentoso. | The actor, who stars in the movie, is very talented. |
| El político, quien fue elegido, promete cambios. | The politician, who was elected, promises changes. |
| La jefa, quien es muy exigente, siempre busca la perfección. | The boss, who is very demanding, always seeks perfection. |
| El deportista, quien entrena duro, siempre gana. | The athlete, who trains hard, always wins. |
| La bailarina, quien es muy elegante, encanta a todos. | The dancer, who is very elegant, enchants everyone. |
| El músico, quien compone canciones hermosas, es muy creativo. | The musician, who composes beautiful songs, is very creative. |
| El cocinero, quien prepara platos deliciosos, es muy famoso. | The cook, who prepares delicious dishes, is very famous. |
| La ingeniera, quien diseñó el puente, es muy inteligente. | The engineer, who designed the bridge, is very intelligent. |
| El arquitecto, quien construyó el edificio, es muy reconocido. | The architect, who built the building, is very recognized. |
| La científica, quien investiga el cáncer, es muy dedicada. | The scientist, who researches cancer, is very dedicated. |
| El programador, quien creó la aplicación, es muy hábil. | The programmer, who created the application, is very skilled. |
| La bibliotecaria, quien me ayudó a encontrar el libro, es muy amable. | The librarian, who helped me find the book, is very kind. |
| El jardinero, quien cuida las plantas, es muy trabajador. | The gardener, who takes care of the plants, is very hardworking. |
| La panadera, quien hornea el pan, es muy madrugadora. | The baker, who bakes the bread, is a very early riser. |
| El cartero, quien entrega las cartas, es muy puntual. | The mailman, who delivers the letters, is very punctual. |
| La enfermera, quien cuida a los pacientes, es muy comprensiva. | The nurse, who takes care of the patients, is very understanding. |
Usage Rules
Rules for Using Quién and Quiénes
The primary rule is to use quién for singular references and quiénes for plural references. This applies when asking direct questions about someone’s identity. Ensure that the verb conjugation agrees with the pronoun used. For example, ¿Quién es…? (Who is…?) uses the singular verb form, while ¿Quiénes son…? (Who are…?) uses the plural verb form.
Pay attention to the context of the question. If you are asking about a single individual, use quién. If you are inquiring about a group of people, use quiénes. Incorrect usage can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Practice identifying the correct form in various scenarios to improve your accuracy.
Remember that quién and quiénes are always used in questions. They are not used in statements or declarative sentences. If you need to refer to an unknown person in a statement, use other pronouns or phrases such as alguien (someone) or nadie (no one).
Rules for Using A quién
The preposition “a” is crucial when using “who” as the indirect object. Always include “a” before quién when asking to whom something is given, shown, or done. The structure is typically ¿A quién + verb + subject? Make sure that the verb agrees with the subject of the sentence.
When using a quién, the indirect object pronoun (le or les) is often included for emphasis or clarity, even though it might seem redundant. For example, ¿A quién le diste el libro? (To whom did you give the book?). The “le” reinforces that the book was given to someone.
Be mindful of the verb being used. Some verbs inherently require an indirect object, while others do not. If the verb requires an indirect object, then a quién is the appropriate form to use. Practice identifying verbs that commonly take indirect objects to improve your accuracy.
Rules for Using Quien as a Relative Pronoun
As a relative pronoun, quien connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, providing additional information about a person already mentioned. It must always refer back to a noun (a person) in the main clause. The dependent clause is often set off by commas.
Quien as a relative pronoun does not have a plural form. It always refers to a single person. If you need to refer to multiple people, you should use que instead. For example, “Los estudiantes que estudian mucho sacan buenas notas” (The students who study a lot get good grades).
Ensure that the verb in the dependent clause agrees with the person quien refers to. The dependent clause should provide additional, non-essential information about the person. If the information is essential to the meaning of the sentence, you might need to use que instead.
Exceptions and Special Cases
While the rules outlined above generally apply, there are some exceptions and special cases to be aware of. One exception is when quien is used with prepositions other than “a.” In these cases, the preposition comes before quien. For example, ¿Con quién fuiste al cine? (With whom did you go to the cinema?).
Another special case is the use of quienquiera, which means “whoever.” This form is used to refer to any person, regardless of their identity. For example, Quienquiera que seas, gracias por tu ayuda. (Whoever you are, thank you for your help.).
Additionally, the phrase quien sea can be used to mean “whoever it may be.” This is often used in situations where the identity of the person is unknown or unimportant. For example, Quien sea que haya hecho esto, debe asumir la responsabilidad. (Whoever it may be who did this, must take responsibility).
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is confusing quién and quiénes. Remember to use quién for singular references and quiénes for plural references. Incorrect: ¿Quiénes es el profesor? Correct: ¿Quién es el profesor? Incorrect: ¿Quién es tus amigos? Correct: ¿Quiénes son tus amigos?
Another frequent error is omitting the preposition “a” when using “who” as the indirect object. Remember to use a quién in these cases. Incorrect: ¿Quién le diste el regalo? Correct: ¿A quién le diste el regalo?
A third mistake is using quien as a relative pronoun when referring to multiple people. In these cases, use que instead. Incorrect: Los estudiantes quien estudian mucho sacan buenas notas. Correct: Los estudiantes que estudian mucho sacan buenas notas.
Another error is not using commas correctly when quien is used a relative pronoun. Remember to set off the dependent clause with commas. Incorrect: El hombre quien es mi vecino es muy amable. Correct: El hombre, quien es mi vecino, es muy amable.
Finally, learners sometimes forget to conjugate the verb correctly to match the subject when using quien or quienes. Incorrect: ¿Quién van a la fiesta? Correct: ¿Quiénes van a la fiesta?
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Form
Choose the correct form of “who” (quién, quiénes, or a quién) to complete each sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| ¿____ es el presidente? | a) Quién b) Quiénes c) A quién | a) Quién |
| ¿____ son tus amigos? | a) Quién b) Quiénes c) A quién | b) Quiénes |
| ¿____ le diste el libro? | a) Quién b) Quiénes c) A quién | c) A quién |
| ¿____ va a limpiar la casa? | a) Quién b) Quiénes c) A quién | a) Quién |
| ¿____ vienen a la cena? | a) Quién b) Quiénes c) A quién | b) Quiénes |
| ¿____ llamaste ayer? | a) Quién b) Quiénes c) A quién | c) A quién |
| ¿____ escribió este poema? | a) Quién b) Quiénes c) A quién | a) Quién |
| ¿____ son los ganadores? | a) Quién b) Quiénes c) A quién | b) Quiénes |
| ¿____ le vas a dar el regalo? | a) Quién b) Quiénes c) A quién | c) A quién |
| ¿____ está en la puerta? | a) Quién b) Quiénes c) A quién | a) Quién |
Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences
Translate the following English sentences into Spanish using the correct form of “who.”
| English Sentence | Spanish Translation |
|---|---|
| Who is the teacher? | ¿Quién es el profesor? |
| Who are your classmates? | ¿Quiénes son tus compañeros de clase? |
| To whom did you give the money? | ¿A quién le diste el dinero? |
| Who is going to the party? | ¿Quién va a la fiesta? |
| Who are they? | ¿Quiénes son ellos? |
| To whom did you send the email? | ¿A quién le enviaste el correo electrónico? |
| Who is the author of this book? | ¿Quién es el autor de este libro? |
| Who are the members of the team? | ¿Quiénes son los miembros del equipo? |
| To whom did you show the pictures? | ¿A quién le mostraste las fotos? |
| Who is responsible for this? | ¿Quién es responsable de esto? |
Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “who” (quien as a relative pronoun). Remember to use commas where necessary.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| El hombre, ____ es mi padre, trabaja mucho. | quien |
| La mujer, ____ vive al lado, es muy amable. | quien |
| El estudiante, ____ estudia español, es muy inteligente. | quien |
| La profesora, ____ enseña inglés, es muy simpática. | quien |
| El doctor, ____ me atendió, es muy profesional. | quien |
| Mi hermano, ____ vive en París, me visitará pronto. | quien |
| Mi amiga, ____ es diseñadora, tiene mucho talento. | quien |
| El actor, ____ ganó el premio, es muy famoso. | quien |
| La cantante, ____ tiene una voz hermosa, es muy popular. | quien |
| El escritor, ____ escribió la novela, es muy creativo. | quien |
Advanced Topics
Quienquiera
Quienquiera translates to “whoever” or “anyone who.” It is used to refer to any person, regardless of their identity. It often introduces a clause that applies to any individual who meets a certain condition. This form adds a layer of generality to your Spanish, allowing you to make statements that apply broadly.
For example: “Quienquiera que necesite ayuda, puede contactarme.” (Whoever needs help can contact me.) This sentence offers assistance to anyone in need, without specifying a particular person. Another example is: “Quienquiera que gane, debe estar preparado para el desafío.” (Whoever wins must be prepared for the challenge.)
Using quienquiera correctly demonstrates a more advanced understanding of Spanish grammar. It allows you to express ideas in a more inclusive and general way. Practice using this form in various contexts to expand your fluency and confidence.
Quien sea
Quien sea translates to “whoever it may be” or “whomever.” It is used when the identity of the person is unknown or unimportant. This phrase often expresses a sense of uncertainty or indifference regarding the person’s identity. It’s a useful phrase when the specific person involved doesn’t matter as much as the action or situation.
For example: “Quien sea que llame, dile que no estoy.” (Whoever it may be who calls, tell them I’m not here.) In this sentence, the speaker is not concerned with the identity of the caller. Another example is: “Quien sea el responsable, debe asumir las consecuencias.” (Whoever the responsible party may be, they must face the consequences.)
Mastering the use of quien sea will add nuance to your Spanish communication. It allows you to express a lack of concern or knowledge about a person’s identity, focusing instead on the action or situation at hand. Practice using this phrase in different scenarios to refine your understanding and usage.
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between quién
and quiénes?
Quién is singular and refers to one person, while quiénes is plural and refers to multiple people. Use quién when asking about a single person and quiénes when asking about multiple people.
Q2: When should I use a quién?
Use a quién when “who” is the indirect object of a verb. This typically involves verbs where something is given, shown, or done to someone. The “a” indicates the recipient of the action.
Q3: Can quien be used in the plural form as a relative pronoun?
No, quien as a relative pronoun does not have a plural form. When referring to multiple people, use que instead.
Q4: What is the difference between quienquiera and quien sea?
Quienquiera means “whoever” or “anyone who” and refers to any person meeting a certain condition. Quien sea means “whoever it may be” and is used when the identity of the person is unknown or unimportant.
Q5: How do I avoid common mistakes when using “who” in Spanish?
Pay close attention to whether you are referring to a single person or multiple people. Remember to include the preposition “a” when “who” is the indirect object. Use que instead of quien when referring to multiple people as a relative pronoun. Practice using these forms in various contexts to solidify your understanding.
Conclusion
Mastering the different forms of “who” in Spanish—quién, quiénes, a quién, and quien as a relative pronoun—is essential for effective communication. Understanding the nuances of each form allows you to ask precise questions, provide detailed information, and express complex ideas. By following the rules and guidelines outlined in this article, practicing with examples, and avoiding common mistakes, you can confidently use “who” in a variety of situations. Continue to practice and refine your skills to enhance your fluency and accuracy in Spanish. With dedication and consistent effort, you will become proficient in using these important pronouns and elevate your overall language proficiency.