Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| a causa de | /a ˈkausa de/ |
| por mor de | /poɾ ˈmoɾ de/ |
| por causa de | /poɾ kausa de/ (from spelling rules) |
| a raíz de | /a raˈiθ de/ /a raˈis de/ |
| en razón de | /en raˈθon de/ /en raˈson de/ |
These phrases are used to express the reason, cause or purpose for an action or situation. While many forms exist, you can choose different expressions depending on the nuance you want to convey: Gracias a is used for positive causes, Por culpa de implies blame or responsibility and A consecuencia de indicates a consequence or result.
Which one should you use?
While most forms mean 'because of', a raíz de is used specifically to indicate that something happened as a direct consequence or following a specific event, often implying a starting point or trigger. Use en razón de to convey the meaning 'by reason of' or 'in view of'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
A causa de and Debido a are formal expressions. En razón de is a more formal and administrative way to say 'because of' compared to 'a causa de'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When a causa de is followed by the masculine definite article el, the two words must contract into a causa del.
How do you pronounce it?
/a ˈkausa de/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word raíz, used in the phrase a raíz de, is a direct cognate of the English word 'radish'.
- The phrase por mor de is an archaic way to say 'because of' that you might encounter in classical Spanish literature but rarely in modern speech.
- In the expression a raíz de, the word raíz literally means 'root', implying that one event grew directly out of another like a plant.
Examples in context
- No fui a causa del mal tiempo.Because of the bad weather, I didn't go.This sentence shows how to use a causa de to explain why someone did not go due to bad weather.Tatoeba #1445314 by marcelostockle, translation #1445310 by CK
- Tom se desmayó a causa del calor.Tom passed out because of the heat.This sentence uses a causa de to explain the reason for someone passing out.Tatoeba #1371842 by marcelostockle, translation #1093150 by CK
- Llegué tarde a causa de la lluvia.I was late because of the rain.This sentence demonstrates using a causa de to explain the reason for being late.Tatoeba #511420 by Shishir, translation #26797 by CK
- No pude asistir a la reunión debido a una emergencia familiar.I couldn't attend the meeting because of a family emergency.
- Se canceló el vuelo a causa de las condiciones climáticas adversas.The flight was canceled because of adverse weather conditions.
- No pudimos llegar a tiempo por culpa del tráfico pesado.We couldn't arrive on time because of the heavy traffic.
- No fui a la fiesta por el mal tiempo.I didn't go to the party because of the bad weather.
- Ganamos el partido gracias a un gol en el último minuto.We won the game because of a goal in the last minute.
- Perdí mi avión a consecuencia de un retraso en el tráfico.I missed my flight because of a traffic delay.
- Me quedé en casa debido a una enfermedad.I stayed at home because of an illness.
- No pude hacerlo a causa del mal funcionamiento del equipo.I couldn't do it because of the equipment malfunction.
- Por culpa del conductor imprudente, tuvimos un accidente.Because of the reckless driver, we had an accident.
- No pude asistir al evento por problemas familiares.I couldn't attend the event because of family issues.
- Por su talento natural, él destaca en el escenario.Because of his natural talent, he stands out on stage.
- A consecuencia del incendio, tuvimos que evacuar el edificio.As a result of the fire, we had to evacuate the building.
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking about a delayed flight.
- JavierMi vuelo se canceló a causa de una tormenta.My flight was cancelled because of a storm.
- LucíaLo siento mucho, Javier. ¿Tienes otro vuelo?I am very sorry, Javier. Do you have another flight?
- JavierSí, pero viajaré mañana a causa de eso.Yes, but I will travel tomorrow because of that.
- LucíaEspero que puedas descansar hoy, entonces.I hope you can rest today, then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “because of” translations and entries a causa de, por mor de, a raíz de, en razón de, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, a causa de, causa, de, por, raíz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
