The Basics of Interrogative Pronouns in Catalan

Interrogative pronouns are words used to ask questions in Catalan, just like in any other language. They replace the noun in a question, seeking to obtain relevant information. In Catalan grammar, the following interrogative pronouns are the most common:

• Què? (What?)
• Qui? (Who?)
• Quin/Quina/Quins/Quines? (Which?, What?)
• Com? (How?)
• On? (Where?)
• Per què? (Why?)
• Quant/Quanta/Quants/Quantes? (How much?, How many?)

Each of these pronouns is used in specific contexts and situations. Let us explore them in greater detail.

Què? (What?)

The interrogative pronoun Què? is used when inquiring about the nature, identity, or purpose of an object, action, or event. It is often used in the following types of questions:

• Què vols? (What do you want?)
• Què fas? (What are you doing?)
• Què és això? (What is this?)

Note that “què” can also be replaced by a more specific noun or adjective, depending on the context.

Qui? (Who?)

When seeking information about people, the interrogative pronoun Qui? is used. It is utilized in questions such as:

• Qui ets? (Who are you?)
• Qui ha arribat? (Who has arrived?)
• Amb qui vas? (Who are you going with?)

In Catalan grammar, the plural form of qui is qui as well, so you can use it in both singular and plural contexts.

Quin/Quina/Quins/Quines? (Which?, What?)

Quin (masculine singular), quina (feminine singular), quins (masculine plural), and quines (feminine plural) are used to inquire about a specific item from a selection. They are used in questions like:

• Quin cotxe vols? (Which car do you want?)
• Quina pel·lícula prefereixes? (Which movie do you prefer?)
• Quins llibres t’agraden més? (Which books do you like more?)
• Quines fruites són les teves favorites? (Which fruits are your favorites?)

Com? (How?)

The interrogative pronoun Com? is used to inquire about the manner, way, or condition of something. Some examples of questions using “com” are:

• Com estàs? (How are you?)
• Com arribem a la platja? (How do we get to the beach?)
• Com va anar la reunió? (How did the meeting go?)

On? (Where?)

To ask about locations or places, the interrogative pronoun On? is used. Examples of questions with “on” are as follows:

• On vius? (Where do you live?)
• On està el restaurant? (Where is the restaurant?)
• On puc trobar un supermercat? (Where can I find a supermarket?)

Per què? (Why?)

When inquiring about reasons, motives, or causes, the interrogative pronoun Per què? is used. It is utilized in questions such as:

• Per què has arribat tard? (Why have you arrived late?)
• Per què vols aprendre català? (Why do you want to learn Catalan?)
• Per què estàs trist? (Why are you sad?)

Quant/Quanta/Quants/Quantes? (How much?, How many?)

To ask about quantities, amounts, or numbers, the interrogative pronouns quant (masculine singular), quanta (feminine singular), quants (masculine plural), and quantes (feminine plural) are used. Examples include:

• Quant costa això? (How much does this cost?)
• Quanta aigua s’ha de beure diàriament? (How much water should one drink daily?)
• Quants estudiants hi ha a la classe? (How many students are in the class?)
• Quantes hores treballes al dia? (How many hours do you work a day?)

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of interrogative pronouns in Catalan grammar, it should become easier for you to form questions in Catalan. These essential language tools not only help in effective communication but also provide a solid foundation for language mastery.