causa
/kow-sah/
cause
Visualizing the 'causa' as the initial action that sets a chain of events in motion (the reason for something).
📝 In Action
La lluvia fue la causa del accidente.
A2The rain was the cause of the accident.
No conocemos la causa principal del problema.
B1We don't know the main cause of the problem.
💡 Grammar Points
The Super Useful Phrase: 'a causa de'
The phrase 'a causa de' is your go-to for saying 'because of' or 'due to'. Just put it before the noun that is causing something. Example: 'El partido se canceló a causa de la nieve.' (The game was canceled because of the snow.)
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Causa' vs. 'Razón'
Mistake: "Using 'causa' when 'razón' (reason/justification) is more natural."
Correction: 'Causa' is the root thing that makes something happen. 'Razón' is more about the logic or justification. For example: 'La causa del fuego fue un cortocircuito' (The cause of the fire was a short circuit). But, 'La razón por la que me fui es que estaba cansado' (The reason I left is that I was tired).
⭐ Usage Tips
Connecting Cause and Effect
In Spanish, you often see the pairing 'causa y efecto' (cause and effect). Thinking of them as a pair can help you remember the meaning of 'causa'.
Representing a unified 'causa' (cause or movement) through collective action and a shared symbol.
📝 In Action
Luchamos por una buena causa.
B1We are fighting for a good cause.
La protección del medio ambiente es su causa.
B2Protecting the environment is her cause.
⭐ Usage Tips
For Passion and Purpose
This meaning of 'causa' is full of passion. It's not just a reason, it's something you believe in and fight for, like a 'causa' for animal rights or education.
The scales of justice representing a legal 'causa' (case or legal proceedings).
📝 In Action
El abogado presentó la causa ante el juez.
B2The lawyer presented the case before the judge.
Ganaron la causa después de muchos años.
C1They won the lawsuit after many years.
⭐ Usage Tips
Spotting the Legal Meaning
If you see 'causa' used with words like 'juez' (judge), 'abogado' (lawyer), or 'tribunal' (court), it almost always means a legal case.
Illustrating the verb form: he/she/it 'causa' (causes) something to happen.
causa(Verb)
he/she/it causes
?present tense, singular
you cause
?formal 'you' (usted)
,cause!
?command form for 'tú'
📝 In Action
El humo causa problemas respiratorios.
A2The smoke causes respiratory problems.
Usted siempre causa una buena impresión.
B1You (formal) always make a good impression.
¡Causa una buena impresión en la entrevista!
B1Make a good impression at the interview!
💡 Grammar Points
Who is 'causa'?
This is the verb 'causar' (to cause) in action! 'Causa' is the form you use for 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), 'usted' (you, formal), or any singular thing. For example, 'El tráfico causa retrasos' (The traffic causes delays).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: causa
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'causa' to mean a social movement or ideal?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'a causa de' and 'porque'?
Great question! They both mean 'because'. Use 'a causa de' before a noun (a thing): 'Llegué tarde a causa del tráfico' (I arrived late because of the traffic). Use 'porque' before a conjugated verb (an action): 'Llegué tarde porque había mucho tráfico' (I arrived late because there was a lot of traffic).
Is 'causa' always a feminine noun?
Yes, when 'causa' is used as a noun (a reason, a case, an ideal), it is always feminine: 'la causa', 'una causa'. This is true even in the Peruvian slang for a male friend ('mi causa').