Learn the essential difference between "por qué" and "porque" in Spanish. This lesson explains when to use the question form "¿Por qué?" to ask for reasons and the conjunction "porque" to give explanations. Examples include direct and indirect questions as well as typical answers expressing cause or reasons. Understanding this distinction helps improve your clarity and comprehension in everyday conversations.
- "¿Por qué?" is used to ask for the reason for something, while "porque" introduces an answer or explanation.
- We use “por qué” in direct and indirect questions.
- We use "porque" to give a cause or reason.
| Uso (Use) | Por qué/ Porque (Why / Because) | Ejemplo (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Pregunta directa (Direct question) | ¿Por qué? | ¿Por qué caminas tanto? (Why do you walk so much?) |
| Pregunta indirecta (Indirect question) | Por qué | No sé por qué se ha perdido. (I don't know why he/she/it has gotten lost.) |
| Causa (Cause) | Porque | Me he perdido porque no he consultado el plano. (I have got lost because I haven’t consulted the map.) |
| Razón simple (Simple reason) | Porque | Estamos aquí porque queremos ver una exposición. (We are here because we want to see an exhibition.) |
| Explicación (Because) | Porque | He cogido un taxi porque no quiero ir de paseo. (I have taken a taxi because I do not want to go for a walk.) |
| Excusa (Excuse) | Porque | No he hecho la foto porque tengo la cámara. (I didn’t take the photo because I have the camera.) |
Exceptions!
- "Porque" is a causal conjunction, without an accent or space.
Exercise 1: La diferencia entre "Por qué" y "Porque"
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
por qué, Por qué, porque
1.
¿... no has consultado el plano de la ciudad?
(Why haven't you checked the city map?)
2.
Visitamos la plaza ... nos gusta su historia.
(We visit the square because we like its history.)
3.
Hemos cogido un taxi ... hemos estado muy cansados.
(We have taken a taxi because we have been very tired.)
4.
¿... no has mandado una postal a tus amigos
(Why haven't you sent a postcard to your friends?)
5.
No sé ... han cerrado la calle peatonal.
(I don't know why they have closed the pedestrian street.)
6.
¿... ver una exposición en esa galería?
(Why see an exhibition at that gallery?)
7.
He caminado mucho ... me he perdido esta mañana.
(I have walked a lot because I got lost this morning.)
8.
¿... no has hecho una foto del monumento?
(Why haven't you taken a photo of the monument?)
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Choose the correct sentence in each group according to the use of "por qué" and "porque" to properly express reason or cause, in the context of a tourist in the city.
1.
Incorrect to use 'Porque' in a direct question; '¿Por qué?' with accent and question marks must be used.
Missing the initial question mark for it to be a correctly written direct question.
2.
'Porque' together is used for answers or explanations, incorrect here in an indirect question.
Incorrect to use a question mark in an indirect question; it should not have question marks.
3.
A question is not used to express cause or reason after this structure.
'Por qué' separated and with an accent is only used in questions, not in answers or explanations.
4.
'Porque' is not used in questions, especially with question marks.
Missing the initial question mark for the direct question to be complete and correct.