por lo tanto
Lemma Details
Translation: therefore; consequently; thus; hence; so
Part of Speech: conjunction
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines the preposition 'por' (for, by) with the neuter article 'lo' and the adjective 'tanto' (so much). Literally, it translates to 'for that much' or 'by that much', which evolved to express logical consequence. The construction parallels similar logical connectors in other Romance languages, such as French 'par conséquent' or Italian 'pertanto'.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Está lloviendo, por lo tanto no iremos al parque.
It's raining, therefore we won't go to the park.
No estudió para el examen, por lo tanto reprobó.
He didn't study for the exam, consequently he failed.
La empresa perdió dinero este año, por lo tanto no habrá bonos.
The company lost money this year, thus there will be no bonuses.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'por lo tanto' as 'for all that' leading to a conclusion.
- Remember that 'tanto' means 'so much' - so this phrase indicates 'because of so much (evidence)'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, including academic writing, business communication, and everyday conversation. It's an essential connector in Spanish logical discourse and argumentation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Por tanto' is a slightly shorter variant of 'por lo tanto' with the same meaning. Both are correct and interchangeable, though 'por lo tanto' is more common in many regions.
Confused word:
No tengo dinero, por tanto no puedo comprar el boleto.
I don't have money, therefore I can't buy the ticket.
Notes: Regional preferences may exist, but both forms are widely understood and accepted.
Mnemonic: Both mean exactly the same thing - 'por lo tanto' just includes the article 'lo'.
Explanation: While 'por lo tanto' introduces a logical conclusion, 'por eso' (that's why) often refers more directly to a specific cause mentioned previously.
Confused word:
El tren se retrasó, por eso llegamos tarde a la reunión.
The train was delayed, that's why we arrived late to the meeting.
Notes: In many contexts, these phrases can be used interchangeably, though 'por lo tanto' tends to be slightly more formal.
Mnemonic: 'Por eso' points back more directly to a specific reason ('eso' = that), while 'por lo tanto' signals a broader logical conclusion.