Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| por si acaso | /poɾ si aˈkaso/ |
| por si | /poɾ si/ (from spelling rules) |
These phrases are used to express that an action is being taken because a certain event might occur. While por si acaso is often used as a standalone phrase to mean 'just in case', por si is typically used to introduce a specific clause, such as 'in case it rains'. For formal contexts, you may use the expression En el caso de que.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase por si acaso literally translates to 'for if by chance'.
Which one should you use?
'Por si acaso' is typically used as a standalone phrase meaning 'just in case', whereas 'por si' is used to introduce a specific clause, for example, por si llueve (in case it rains).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, the colloquial expression por si las dudas is a common alternative to por si acaso to mean 'just in case' or 'to be safe'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using por si followed by a verb to mean 'in case [something happens]', the verb is usually in the indicative mood if the speaker considers the event to be a real possibility.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ si aˈkaso/
Did you know?
- The word si used in these phrases shares the exact same Latin ancestor, si, as the English word 'if'.
- While por si acaso is standard, many Latin Americans use por si las dudas, which literally means 'for the doubts'.
- In Spanish, using the indicative mood after por si suggests the speaker believes the event is highly likely to happen, whereas the subjunctive suggests it is merely a remote possibility.
Examples in context
- Se lo aclararé, por si acaso.I will make it clear for him, just in case.This sentence shows how to use por si acaso as a standalone phrase at the end of a sentence.Tatoeba #5718356 by arh, translation #7917637 by fpp
- Coge algo de dinero por si acaso.Take some money just in case you need it.This sentence demonstrates using por si acaso to provide a reason for taking an action.Tatoeba #2274958 by Shishir, translation #2255667 by _undertoad
- Lleva el chubasquero por si llueve.Take your raincoat in case it rains.This sentence illustrates using por si to introduce a specific clause regarding the weather.Tatoeba #7996293 by Seael, translation #7844661 by CK
- Por si acaso hay problemas, asegúrate de tener todos los documentos necesarios.In case there are any issues, make sure you have all the necessary documents.
- En caso de que necesites ayuda, no dudes en llamarme.In case you need help, don't hesitate to call me.
- En caso de emergencia, utiliza las escaleras de emergencia.In case of an emergency, use the emergency stairs.
- En el caso de que haga frío, lleva un abrigo.In case it gets cold, bring a coat.
- En el caso de que no pueda asistir, avíseme con anticipación.In case you can't attend, let me know in advance.
- Lleva un paraguas, por si acaso.Take an umbrella, just in case.
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are preparing to leave the house.
- Daniel¿Llevas el cargador del móvil?Are you bringing the phone charger?
- ElenaSí, lo llevo por si acaso.Yes, I'm bringing it in case.
- DanielMuy bien, Elena.Very well, Elena.
- ElenaVamos, Daniel, que llegamos tarde.Let's go, Daniel, we are late.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “in case” translations and entries por si acaso, por si, 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 acaso, por, si, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
