Difference Between Lequel, Laquelle, Lesquels, and Lesquelles?

A common question among French learners is: What’s the difference between lequel, laquelle, lesquels, and lesquelles? These pronouns can be confusing because they all mean “which” or “which one” in English, but they are used in different contexts depending on gender and number. Let’s clarify their uses with examples!

1. Lequel (Masculine Singular)

Lequel is used when referring to a masculine singular noun. It means “which one” or “which” when choosing among specific options.

• Example 1:
  • Le livre est sur la table. Lequel veux-tu?
    (The book is on the table. Which one do you want?)

  Here, lequel is used to ask about a specific masculine singular book.

• Example 2:
  • J’ai deux films. Lequel préfères-tu?
    (I have two movies. Which one do you prefer?)

2. Laquelle (Feminine Singular)

Laquelle is used for feminine singular nouns and also means “which one.”

• Example 1:
  • La robe est jolie. Laquelle vas-tu porter?
    (The dress is pretty. Which one are you going to wear?)

  In this case, laquelle refers to a specific feminine singular dress.

• Example 2:
  • J’ai plusieurs chansons. Laquelle aimes-tu le plus?
    (I have several songs. Which one do you like the most?)

3. Lesquels (Masculine Plural)

Lesquels is used for masculine plural nouns. It translates to “which ones.”

• Example 1:
  • Les livres sont sur l’étagère. Lesquels veux-tu lire?
    (The books are on the shelf. Which ones do you want to read?)

  Here, lesquels refers to a specific group of masculine plural books.

• Example 2:
  • J’ai trois amis. Lesquels sont en vacances?
    (I have three friends. Which ones are on vacation?)

4. Lesquelles (Feminine Plural)

Lesquelles is used for feminine plural nouns and means “which ones.”

• Example 1:
  • Les chaises sont rouges. Lesquelles préfères-tu?
    (The chairs are red. Which ones do you prefer?)

  In this example, lesquelles refers to a specific group of feminine plural chairs.

• Example 2:
  • J’ai plusieurs chemises. Lesquelles sont à la mode?
    (I have several shirts. Which ones are in style?)

More Examples:

• Lequel (masculine singular):
  • Lequel de ces deux tableaux a été peint par Monet?
    (Which one of these two paintings was painted by Monet?)
• Laquelle (feminine singular):
  • Laquelle des options te plaît le plus?
    (Which one of the options do you like the most?)
• Lesquels (masculine plural):
  • Lesquels des produits sont en solde?
    (Which ones of the products are on sale?)
• Lesquelles (feminine plural):
  • Lesquelles de ces recettes as-tu déjà essayées?
    (Which ones of these recipes have you already tried?)