porqué
“porqué” means “the reason” in Spanish (explaining the cause).
the reason
Also: the why
📝 In Action
No entiendo el porqué de tu decisión.
B1I don't understand the reason for your decision.
Todo en esta vida tiene su porqué.
B1Everything in this life has its reason.
Me explicó los porqués de su ausencia.
B2He explained to me the reasons for his absence.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: porqué
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'porqué'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word is a great example of language evolution! It comes directly from squishing the two-word question 'por qué' (why?) into a single word. People started treating the answer—the reason itself—as a single concept, and 'el porqué' (the reason) was born.
First recorded: The official distinction between porqué, por qué, and porque was formally established by the Royal Spanish Academy in the 18th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the absolute simplest way to remember `porqué` vs. `por qué` vs. `porque`?
Think of it this way: 1. `el porqué` = 'the reason' (It's a noun, a 'thing'). 2. `¿por qué?` = 'why?' (It's a question). 3. `porque` = 'because' (It's the answer).
Can I always just use 'la razón' instead of 'el porqué'?
Yes, most of the time! 'La razón' is much more common and a perfect substitute. Using 'el porqué' can sound a little more thoughtful or philosophical, like you're talking about the deeper motive behind something.