por qué
Lemma Details
Translation: why; for what reason; what for
Part of Speech: interrogative adverb
Etymology: Derived from the preposition 'por' (for, because of) and the interrogative pronoun 'qué' (what). The combination literally means 'for what' and is used to ask about reasons or causes. This construction parallels the English 'for what' which evolved into 'why' in questions.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'por qué' as 'for what' - which is exactly what 'why' means in English
- The space between 'por' and 'qué' indicates a question is being asked
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Used in both formal and informal contexts. Understanding the difference between 'por qué', 'porque', 'porqué', and 'por que' is considered an important aspect of Spanish literacy and education.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Por qué' (two words with accent) is used to ask 'why' in questions, while 'porque' (one word, no accent) means 'because' and is used to give reasons.
This word:
¿Por qué estás triste?
Why are you sad?
Notes: The accent on 'qué' indicates it's being used as an interrogative word.
Mnemonic: 'Por qué' has a space and an accent because it's asking a question; 'porque' has neither because it's giving an answer.
Explanation: 'Por qué' asks why, while 'porqué' (one word with accent) is a noun meaning 'the reason' or 'the cause'.
This word:
¿Por qué no vino?
Why didn't he come?
Confused word:
No entiendo el porqué de su decisión.
I don't understand the reason for his decision.
Notes: As a noun, 'porqué' is often preceded by 'el' (the).
Mnemonic: 'Porqué' is a noun (the reason) while 'por qué' is asking for that reason.
Explanation: 'Por qué' (with accent) asks why, while 'por que' (without accent) means 'for which' and is used in relative clauses.
This word:
¿Por qué lloras?
Why are you crying?
Notes: In modern Spanish, 'por que' without accent is often replaced by 'por el/la cual' or 'por el/la que'.
Mnemonic: When 'qué' has an accent, it's asking a question; without the accent, it's referring back to something already mentioned.