quien
PRON
(1)
[/kjen/es-ES]
who
literal
/
whom
formal
/
which person
literal
/
whoever
untranslatable
(The word 'quien' can imply a more indefinite concept that 'whoever' captures, but it isn't a direct equivalent.)
A relative pronoun in Spanish that refers exclusively to people, functioning similarly to "who" or "whom" in English. It is frequently used after prepositions (e.g., 'a quien', 'con quien', 'para quien') or in non-restrictive clauses. While often more formal or precise than que when referring to people, it is also commonly used in standard speech. In some contexts, especially in more general or indefinite statements, it can convey the meaning of "whoever."
- La mujer a quien viste es mi hermana. — The woman whom you saw is my sister.
- Mi amigo, quien vive en Madrid, me visitó. — My friend, who lives in Madrid, visited me.
- A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda. — God helps whoever wakes up early. (Literally: To whoever rises early, God helps them.)
- Busco a alguien con quien compartir mis ideas. — I'm looking for someone with whom to share my ideas.
register: formal