porque
standard
In Mexico "because" is porque. In conversation Mexicans often open an excuse or explanation with es que, which works a little like "the thing is". It is also called ya que.
Meaning: giving a reason (conjunction)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| porque | standard |
| ya que | formal |
| es que | Mexico, colloquial |
Es que is very common at the start of an answer: Es que no pude llegar. Use ya que in writing or a formal context.
Which one should you use?
Do not confuse porque with por qué, which means "why" in a question, and porqué, which is a noun meaning "the reason".
How does it change in a sentence?
Porque is followed by a verb in the indicative: Llegué tarde porque había tráfico.
Did you know?
- In Mexican speech es que is so frequent that it is often used to begin any explanation or excuse.
Examples in context
- No fui porque estaba enfermo.I did not go because I was sick.
- Es que no tuve tiempo.It is that I had no time.
- Ya que estás aquí, ayúdame.Since you are here, help me.
Example conversation
Teacher Mónica asks student Axel why he arrived late to school in Saltillo.
- MónicaAxel, ¿por qué llegaste tarde?Axel, why did you arrive late?
- AxelEs que había mucho tráfico.It is that there was a lot of traffic.
- Mónica¿Y por qué no saliste antes?And why did you not leave earlier?
- AxelPorque mi mamá se retrasó.Because my mom was delayed.
