A relative, or adjective, clause is a dependent clause that describes or adds specifics to something mentioned in the independent clause. These types of clauses are introduced by a relative pronoun — they are the bridge that joins the independent and the dependent clause. In this post, we will talk about defining relative clauses (those which give us essential information about what we are talking about) and non-defining relative clauses, which provide non-essential information. We will also do a refresher on the use of indicative vs. subjunctive and talk about word order when using relative clauses. Are you ready? Let’s go!
What are relative clauses?
Relative clauses are dependent clauses that describe or add specific information to something mentioned in the independent clause. Here are some examples that show the concept:
An important ingredient in relative clauses is the word used to link the clauses; this could be a relative pronoun, relative adjective, or relative adverb, and it stands for a noun that has been previously mentioned. In the examples before, they are que meaning that (which stands for the dog) and donde meaning where (which replaces the school). They follow the noun (known as antecedent) immediately and cannot be eliminated from a sentence. The most used relative pronouns are que meaning who, that, which and quien(es) meaning who. Que is used to refer to objects, ideas, and people; whereas quien(es) is used only for human antecedents.
If you want to review how to use these pronouns, check out our post on relative pronouns in Spanish.
Before we get into the two types of relative clauses — defining and non-defining — let’s go over the sentence structure for relative clauses.
How to build relative clauses in Spanish?
There are two different ways you can build sentences with relative clauses in Spanish. The first way is similar to English, the second is not. Let’s start with the sentences we are going to combine into a sentence with a relative clause:
Option 1: Plug in the second sentence between the subject and verb of the first sentence, and replace the repeated noun with a relative pronoun.
New sentence with a relative clause:
Option 2: Plug the second sentence after the first sentence, and replace the repeated noun with a relative pronoun. Then flip the order of the SUBJECT-VERB in the main clause to place the subject closer to the relative pronoun.
New sentence with relative clause and a flipped S-V:
While this option sounds weird when you say it in your head in English, it is actually the preferred method in Spanish.
One more thing of note, within the relative clause: the subject-verb order might change depending on which element the speaker wants to focus on, either the subject or the verb. Whichever element is in focus appears last. For example:
Verb
Subject (focus)
⇣
⇣
Subject
Verb (focus)
⇣
⇣
For more on Spanish sentence structure, head over to post on word order!
What to keep in mind about relative clauses
What are some of the biggest differences between Spanish and English relative clauses? Here’s a list of what to keep in mind:
In English, we can separate prepositions from the relative pronoun, but this is not possible in Spanish. We can’t leave prepositions at the end of a sentence!
El profesor con quien estaba trabajando me dio una mala nota.Translation: The professor that I was working with gave me a bad grade.While we can omit relative pronouns in English, we can’t do this in Spanish.
El carro que compré es muy chévere. ¡Debes verlo!Translation: The car (that) I bought is really cool. You should see it!English can join two phrases using a preposition to avoid using a relative clause.
Use the brush in the bathroom. → Use the brush that is in the bathroom.
In Spanish, the preferred way is to use the relative clause in order to avoid ambiguity.
Usa el cepillo que está en el baño.
Types of relative clauses
As mentioned before, there are two types of relative clauses: defining and non-defining.
Defining clauses
Defining clauses add necessary information to identify the noun that is being described. They are not separated by commas.
Non-defining clauses
Non-defining relative clauses give the audience extra information that is not necessary. They’re accessories within the sentence and they are always housed between commas. How do you know if you are working with a non-defining relative clause? If you remove it, you will still be able to identify who or what you’re talking about. Think about it as an afterthought: “...which by the way…” Here are some examples:
For a summary of Spanish relative pronouns and adverbs check out this table!
The Spanish subjunctive in relative clauses
Relative clauses might contain a verb in the indicative or subjunctive mood. The choice between using indicative or subjunctive comes from the noun or pronoun we are describing. If the speaker refers to a person or thing that is unknown or non-existent, we need to use the subjunctive. Here is a checklist to help you determine whether or not you need the subjunctive.
Is the noun or pronoun in the main clause (the antecedent) unknown or uncertain for the speaker?
No - use indicative
Yo conduzco un carro que puede ir muy rápido.Translation: I drive a car that can go very fast.Yes - use subjunctive
Yo quiero un carro que pueda pasar por un pie de nieve.Translation: I want a car that can go through a foot of snow.
Is the noun or pronoun in the main clause (the antecedent) non-existent and in a negative sentence?
No - use indicative
Ella conoce a alguien que puede ayudarte.Translation: She knows someone who can help you.Yes - use subjunctive
Ella no conoce a nadie que pueda ayudarte.Translation: She doesn’t know anyone who can help you.
Is the antecedent an indefinite pronoun like algo meaning something, or is the noun preceded by an indefinite adjective such as algún meaning a/some that has not been identified?
No - use indicative
Tengo algo en casa que está hecho a mano.Translation: I have something at home that is handmade.Yes - use subjunctive
Quiero encontrar algo que esté hecho a mano.Translation: I want to find something that is handmade.
Lastly, remember to use the subjunctive when you are asking questions that ask for more information about the antecedent. For example:
¿Conoces a una persona que pueda hablar más de tres idiomas?Translation: Do you know a person that can speak more than three languages?
For more on using the Spanish subjunctive in adjective clauses, head over to our post!
To sum it up
A relative, or adjective, clause is a dependent clause that describes or adds specifics to something mentioned in the independent clause (also known as the antecedent) joined by a relative pronoun. There are two types of relative clauses:
Defining clauses, which add necessary information to identify the noun that is being described.
Non-defining clauses, which give the audience extra information that is not necessary. They are always housed between commas.
While relative clauses also exist in English, there are a few things to keep in mind:
We can’t separate prepositions from relative pronouns in Spanish.
We can’t omit relative pronouns in Spanish.
To avoid ambiguity, Spanish prefers to join phrases using a relative clause rather than a preposition.
Finally, relative clauses in Spanish may use the subjunctive. The choice lies on whether or not the noun described is real and existent or unknown or non-existent.
If you would like to do a little practice with defining and non-defining relative clauses in Spanish, check out the exercises I have created for you!
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