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cuál. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
cuál, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
cuál in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
cuál you have here. The definition of the word
cuál will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
cuál, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Spanish
Etymology
Inherited from Latin quālis (“which”).
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈkwal/
- Rhymes: -al
- Syllabification: cuál
Pronoun
cuál (plural cuáles)
- (interrogative pronoun, as part of a question) what (in terms of a very specific item); which, which one
¿Cuál es tu dirección?- What is your address?
Determiner
cuál (interrogative)
- (Latin America) what; which (interrogative only)
- Synonym: qué
- ¿Cuáles gatos adoptaste del refugio? ― Which cats did you adopt from the shelter?
Tengo que ir al aeropuerto, y todavía no sé cuál camino escoger.- I have to go to the airport, and I still don't know which way I should go.
Usage notes
- There are certain times where cuál would translate as "what" in English and qué would translate as "which". This can confuse English speakers.
- Here's a guideline:
- If one is using a form of the verb ser, then unless one is asking the definition or meaning of something, one would use cuál even if in English, one would translate it as "what".
- ¿Cuál es su nombre? ― What is your name?
- ¿Cuál es el problema aquí? ― What is the problem here?
See also
Further reading