In Spanish, the word "why" is generally translated as "¿Por qué?" when asking a question about the reason or cause of something. Another way to ask "why," focusing on the purpose or intention behind something, is "¿Para qué?". To give explanations or reasons (answering "why"), Spanish uses words like "porque" (meaning "because") or phrases such as "para que" , "por eso" ("that's why"), and more formal expressions like "por esta razón" or "por lo cual". The use depends on whether you're asking a question or explaining a reason.
Common Uses of "Why" in Spanish
- ¿Por qué? — Used to ask for a reason or cause. Example: ¿Por qué no viniste? ("Why didn't you come?")
- ¿Para qué? — Used to ask for purpose or intended outcome. Example: ¿Para qué quieres aprender español? ("Why do you want to learn Spanish?")
- Porque — Used to give a reason, meaning "because." Example: No fui porque estaba enfermo. ("I didn't go because I was sick.")
- Por eso — Means "that's why" or "for that reason."
- Por esta razón , por lo cual , por ese motivo — More formal ways to explain why something happens.
Summary
- To ask why : use ¿Por qué? or ¿Para qué?
- To answer why : use porque or related phrases to explain causes or reasons.
These distinctions help express causes, reasons, and purposes clearly in Spanish.
