which
Meaning: Asking for information specifying one from a set; introducing additional information
'Which' is used in questions to ask about a choice from a limited set ('which colour do you prefer?') and as a relative pronoun introducing non-defining clauses that add extra information ('the book, which I bought yesterday, is excellent'). In British English, 'which' is not used for defining clauses about people.
Examples
- Which train are you taking? 你坐哪趟火车?¿Qué tren vas a tomar?どの電車に乗りますか?어느 기차를 타실 건가요?
- The house, which was built in 1920, needs repair. 这栋房子建于1920年,需要修缮。La casa, que fue construida en 1920, necesita reparaciones.1920年に建てられたその家は修理が必要です。1920년에 지어진 그 집은 수리가 필요합니다.
- I do not know which one to choose. 我不知道该选哪一个。No sé cuál elegir.どれを選べばいいかわかりません。어느 것을 선택해야 할지 모르겠습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English 'hwilc', a compound of 'hwā' (who) + 'līc' (like, body), literally 'of what form'. From Proto-Germanic *hwalīkaz. Cognate with German 'welch'.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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