Spanish · Greetings & Essentials
"Because" in Spanish: porque
porque
Because in Spanish is porque. Give reasons with no voy porque estoy enfermo. Por qué (two words) asks why; porque (one word) answers because.
Canceling plans
No voy porque estoy enfermo.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce porque
Say it
por-KEH
/ˈpoɾ.ke/
por-KEH. Stress on KEH.
"Because" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| porque | because Reason (one word). | Reason (one word). |
| por qué | why Question (two words). | Question (two words). |
| es porque | it's because Explanation start. | Explanation start. |
| ya que | since / because Softer reason. | Softer reason. |
How to use porque in real life
- 1Canceling plans
No voy porque estoy enfermo.
I'm not going because I'm sick.
Excuse with porque.
- 2Choosing a seat
Me senté aquí porque hay sombra.
I sat here because there's shade.
Reason.
- 3Food preference
Pido agua porque no tomo refresco.
I order water because I don't drink soda.
Preference.
Mistakes English speakers make with porque
Incorrect: No voy por que estoy enfermo. (as because)
Correct: No voy porque estoy enfermo.
Because is one word: porque. Por qué asks why.
Incorrect: No voy because estoy cansado.
Correct: No voy porque estoy cansado.
Use porque, not English because.
Good to know
Speech blurs por qué and porque; writing separates them. Porqué with an accent is the noun “the reason why,” rarer in beginner chat.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Explaining a late arrival
ChatPal
¿Llegaste tarde porque había tráfico?
Were you late because there was traffic?
You
Sí, porque el bus se atrasó.
Yes, because the bus was delayed.
ChatPal
¿Avisaste porque tenías señal?
Did you message because you had signal?
You
Avisé en cuanto pude.
I messaged as soon as I could.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Because" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Because" in Spanish
Because?
Porque (one word).
Why?
¿Por qué? (two words).
How do you pronounce porque?
por-KEH—same stress feel as “café.”
Softer option?
Ya que / como.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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