/ˈpoɾke/
Translation
because
Word origin
A compound of por ('for, by') and que ('that'), from Latin pro and quid. It means 'because'.
- Origin
- Latin
- Root
- pro + quid
Examples
.
I did not go to the party because I was ill.
, .
I do it because I enjoy it, not for money.
¿ ? .
Why did you do it? Because you asked me to.
Cierra .
Close the window because a lot of cold air is getting in.
.
We arrived late because the car was not working.
.
We did not go out because it started raining very hard.
Spanish has four distinct forms that sound similar but have different roles: porque (because, conjunction), por qué (why, interrogative), porqué (the reason, noun), and por que (for which, relative clause). All learners must master this distinction.
Porque introduces a causal clause. Por qué asks for the reason (note the two-word form and accent). Porqué is a noun: "no entiendo el porqué" (I don't understand the reason). Por que is rare and used in formal writing after certain verbs and nouns that take por. In everyday use, the first two forms are overwhelmingly common.
Where this fits
Used in
Stories
(15)Pedro conoce a alguien
2 min read · Core 5000
A Paula le duele todo
3 min read · Core 5000
Alguien que lo haya visto
3 min read · Core 5000
La conductora de la ambulancia
3 min read · Core 5000
El correo a la jefa
3 min read · Core 5000
El mejor café de la calle
3 min read · Core 5000
El nuevo doctor de Paula
3 min read · Core 1000
El trabajo de Pedro
3 min read · Core 1000
Es importante que descanses
3 min read · Core 5000
Espero que vengáis
3 min read · Core 5000
La fábrica de madera
3 min read · Core 5000
No creo que sea grave
3 min read · Core 5000
Pasen y siéntense
3 min read · Core 5000
El primer día de Laura
4 min read · Core 1000
Los puestos del sábado
4 min read · Core 1000
Grammar articles
(10)Spanish Advanced Grammar (C1-C2): The Constructions That Sound Native
Spanish Text Cohesion and Style: signposting, avoiding repetition, en resumen
How to Say Therefore, So and Because in Spanish: por lo tanto, así que, porque
How to Say However, Even Though and Despite in Spanish: sin embargo, aunque, a pesar de
The Spanish Diacritic Accent: tú vs tu, sí vs si, qué vs que
Spanish Slang and Chat: decoding tío, guay, o sea, xq (the informal register)
Spanish Question Words: Qué, Quién, Cómo, Dónde and the Accent That Asks
The Spanish Pluperfect (había hablado)
Por vs Para in Spanish: The Rules, a Chart, and a Practice Quiz
Spanish Question Words: qué, quién, cuándo, dónde, cómo, cuál, cuánto, por qué
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porque: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Spanish word "porque" (because): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 2.