Relative pronouns for people (quien, quienes)

Relative pronouns for people

When referring back to people after a preposition (like con, de, or para), use the relative pronoun quien (who/whom). You do not need a definite article (el, la, etc.) before it.

The specialist with whom I collaborate no longer lives here.
El especialista con quien colaboro ya no vive aquí.

If referring to more than one person, use the plural form quienes.

The executives with whom I collaborated were very strict.
Los directivos con quienes colaboré eran muy estrictos.

You can use these pronouns after any preposition to describe your working relationships.

The founder is the person for whom I work now.
El fundador es la persona para quien trabajo ahora.

Corporate structures and colleagues

Remember that quien and quienes are strictly for people. If you are referring to an inanimate entity or a thing (like a corporation), use a definite article + que.

The corporation in which we work is still small.
La corporación en la que trabajamos todavía es pequeña.

You will use both of these structures frequently when discussing your company's hierarchy, dependencies, or negotiations with the trade union (el sindicato).

I spoke with the founder, on whom your promotion depends.
Hablé con la fundadora, de quien depende tu ascenso.
They are the delegates of the trade union against whom we fought yesterday.
Son los delegados del sindicato contra quienes luchamos ayer.
Practice this lesson