per cui
Lemma: per cui
Translation: therefore; whereby; for which; so; that's why; which is why (conjunction)
Etymology: The Italian conjunction 'per cui' is composed of the preposition 'per' (for, through) and the relative pronoun 'cui' (which, whom). 'Per' derives from Latin 'per' (through, by means of), while 'cui' comes from Latin 'cui' (to whom, for whom), the dative form of 'qui' (who). The combination creates a logical connector expressing consequence or conclusion, similar to how English uses 'therefore' or 'for which reason'.
Example Usage
Non ho studiato, per cui non ho superato l'esame.
I didn't study, therefore I didn't pass the exam.
La strada era bloccata, per cui abbiamo preso un'altra via.
The road was blocked, so we took another route.
È il motivo per cui sono arrivato in ritardo.
It's the reason why I arrived late.
Ha lavorato duramente, per cui merita una promozione.
He worked hard, which is why he deserves a promotion.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'per' as 'for' and 'cui' as 'which' - together they mean 'for which reason' or 'therefore'
- Remember 'per cui' as the Italian equivalent of 'therefore' by thinking of it as 'because of which'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This conjunction is widely used in both written and spoken Italian to express logical consequences or conclusions. It's a fundamental connector in Italian discourse and appears frequently in academic writing, everyday conversation, and formal speech.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'per cui' expresses a consequence or conclusion ('therefore', 'that's why'), 'perché' typically introduces a reason or cause ('because', 'why').
Confused word:
Non sono andato alla festa perché ero malato.
I didn't go to the party because I was sick.
Notes: 'Per cui' connects a consequence to its preceding cause, while 'perché' typically introduces the cause of something.
Mnemonic: 'Per cui' follows the effect and points back to the cause; 'perché' introduces the cause that leads to an effect.
Explanation: 'Per cui' is a fixed conjunction meaning 'therefore' or 'for which', while 'per il quale' is a more literal 'for which' used specifically with masculine singular nouns.
This word:
Non ho studiato, per cui ho fallito l'esame.
I didn't study, therefore I failed the exam.
Confused word:
Questo è il motivo per il quale sono arrivato tardi.
This is the reason for which I arrived late.
Notes: 'Per cui' is more commonly used as a general conjunction, while 'per il quale' is used in more formal contexts when specifically referring to a masculine singular antecedent.
Mnemonic: 'Per cui' is shorter and more general, while 'per il quale' specifically refers back to a masculine noun.