Today’s Spanish word of the day is “porque”.
It’s a conjunction meaning “because”.
Confusingly, Spanish has three words/phrases formed from the words “por” + “que”, with slightly different meanings and uses.:
- “porque” = “because”. Example: “No puedo ir porque estoy enfermo.” – “I can’t go because I’m sick.”
- “porqué” = “reason”. Example: “Explica el porqué de tu decisión.” – “Explain the reason for your decision.”
- “¿por qué?” = “why?”. Example: “¿Por qué lloras?” – “Why are you crying?”.
Example sentences
No fui a la fiesta porque estaba cansado.
I didn’t go to the party because I was tired.
Vamos al parque porque hace buen tiempo.
We’re going to the park because the weather is nice.
Compré ese libro porque me lo recomendaron.
I bought that book because it was recommended to me.
No puedo salir porque tengo que trabajar.
I can’t go out because I have to work.
Llegamos tarde porque hubo mucho tráfico.
We arrived late because there was a lot of traffic.