es que
/es ke/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "is that" is translated as es que.
The phrase es que is used to introduce an explanation or a reason for something. It is also frequently used as a conversational filler or a way to introduce an excuse.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb es (is) and the conjunction que (that).
How does it change in a sentence?
When using es que to introduce a clause, que is followed by a subject and a verb, which is often in the indicative mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/es ke/
Did you know?
- While que is used here to mean 'that', its Latin ancestor quid actually meant 'what'. This makes it a distant relative of the English word 'who' rather than the word 'that'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, starting a sentence with es que can act as a social 'buffer' to soften the blow of a refusal or bad news. It signals to the listener that an explanation is coming, which helps preserve politeness.
- Because es que often introduces an excuse, it can sometimes be used with a sarcastic or defensive tone to imply that the speaker is being pressured for an answer. It can change from a simple explanation to a defensive wall.
Examples in context
- La verdad es que me da asco.The truth is that it disgusts me.This sentence shows how to use es que to state a truth.Tatoeba #5631992 by arh, translation #5651255 by Mar1L
- El problema es que es un vago.The trouble with him is that he is lazy.This sentence shows how to use es que to explain a problem.Tatoeba #1291887 by Shishir, translation #243444 by adjusting
- La verdad es que ellos ya saben.The truth is that they already know.Tatoeba #2105701 by hayastan, translation #13616459 by theHydroLance
- ¿Es aquello la catedral de la ciudad?Is that the city's cathedral over there?
- Cuando mencionas el auto aparcado ahí, ¿ese?When you mention the parked car over there, is that it?
- 202 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are talking about why Javier is late to the meeting.
- Sofía¿Por qué llegas tarde, Javier?Why are you late, Javier?
- JavierEs que había mucho tráfico.It's just that there was a lot of traffic.
- SofíaEntiendo, pero la reunión ya empezó.I understand, but the meeting already started.
- JavierLo siento, Sofía, entraré ahora.I'm sorry, Sofía, I'll go in now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
