es lo que
/es lo ke/from spelling rules
es lo que is the Spanish way to say "is what".
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, es lo que translates to "is that which" or "is the thing that".
Which one should you use?
Use es lo que for relative clauses, such as in the sentence "This is what I want". Do not use es qué, as that would incorrectly imply a direct question.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this context, the Spanish word for "what" is expressed using the neuter article lo plus the relative pronoun que (lo que) instead of the interrogative qué.
How do you pronounce it?
/es lo ke/
Did you know?
- The word es is a cognate of the Sanskrit word अस्ति (ásti). They both descend from the same ancient Proto-Indo-European word for 'is'.
- The phrase lo que can be used to refer to an entire previous sentence or idea, rather than just a single object. This allows Spanish speakers to summarize complex thoughts with a short phrase.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, people may omit the es in casual speech, starting the phrase with lo que. This can make the sentence feel like a fragment to an English speaker.
Examples in context
- Es lo que es.It is what it is.This sentence shows how to use es lo que to express the idiom "It is what it is."Tatoeba #2760065 by hayastan, translation #2528426 by CK
- Esto es lo que dijo.This is what he said.This sentence shows how to use es lo que to report something that was said.Tatoeba #2170128 by Shishir, translation #56160 by CK
- Es lo que dice la ley.This is what the law says.This sentence shows how to use es lo que to state what a law says.Tatoeba #1097101 by Shishir, translation #798454 by BraveSentry
- ¿Qué es lo que necesita para completar el proyecto?What is it that you need to complete the project?
- ¡Oye! ¿Qué es esa ruidosa celebración en el vecindario?Hey! What is that loud celebration in the neighborhood?
- No entiendo, ¿cómo es eso de que no puedes acompañarme?I don't understand, how is it that you can't come with me?
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing a complicated situation at work.
- Elena¿Estás bien, Daniel?Are you okay, Daniel?
- DanielNo, es lo que te conté ayer.No, it is what I told you yesterday.
- ElenaEntiendo, es un problema difícil.I understand, it is a difficult problem.
- DanielSí, es lo que más me estresa.Yes, it is what stresses me out the most.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, lo, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
