quia
[ˈkʷi.a]
In Latin, 'because' can be expressed through several forms, most commonly using quia. Wiktionary also lists quod and cum.
Meaning: by or for the cause that, on this account that, for the reason that (conj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| quia | [ˈkʷi.a] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkʷiː.a] (narrow) |
| quod | [ˈkʷɔd] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkʷɔd] (narrow) |
| cum | [ˈkũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkum] (narrow) |
| prō eō quod | |
| proptereā quod |
These terms are conjunctions used to explain the reason or cause for something, meaning 'by or for the cause that', 'on this account that' or 'for the reason that'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase prō eō quod literally translates to 'for that which' or 'on account of that which', while proptereā quod means 'for this reason that'.
Which one should you use?
quod can also be used to convey 'because'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The related form quoniam is often used to mean 'since' or 'seeing that' when providing a reason that is already known to the listener.
Examples in context
- Poma edo, quia esurio.I eat fruits because I am hungry.This sentence shows how to use quia to state a physical reason for an action.Tatoeba #1194195 by alexmarcelo, translation #1992368 by Sharaf78
- Aquam bibo, quia sitio.I'm drinking water because I'm thirsty.This sentence shows how to use quia to explain a state of being.Tatoeba #1200908 by alexmarcelo, translation #455949 by lukaszpp
- Dolet, quod stultus es.It hurts because you're an idiot.This sentence demonstrates the use of quod to provide a reason.Tatoeba #6936376 by Hans07, translation #6996346 by RudeGuyGames
- Quia studui diligenter, obtinui successum.Because I studied diligently, I achieved success.
- Non potes venire, nam occupatus es.You can't come because you're busy.
- Quoniam id est verum, sequitur conclusio.Because that is true, the conclusion follows.
- Quod Deus caritas est, dilige proximum tuum.Because God is love, love your neighbor.
- 166 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marcus and Julia are discussing why Marcus is tired.
- MarcusHodie fessus sum.I am tired today.
- JuliaCur fessus es, Marce?Why are you tired, Marcus?
- MarcusFessus sum quia multum laboravi.I am tired because I worked a lot.
- JuliaNunc quiesce, Marce.Now rest, Marcus.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “because” translations and entries quia, quod, cum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
