Translation
because
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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.
.
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
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Grammar articles
(9)Advanced Spanish Grammar (C1-C2): Sounding Native
Therefore, So, Because in Spanish: por lo tanto, así que
However, Although, Despite in Spanish: sin embargo, aunque
Spanish Diacritic Accents: tú vs tu, sí vs si, qué vs que
Spanish Informal Register: Slang, Texting and Fillers
Spanish Nominalisation: el español, el inglés, el francés
Spanish Pluperfect (Past Perfect): The Past Before the Past
Por ti vs Para ti: Spanish Por and Para Pairs and Phrases
Spanish Question Words: List, Accents and qué vs cuál
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Spanish · Free printables
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.
This word is taught in chapter 2, lesson 9: porque, gracia, pensar and 11 more words.