justa causa
/xusta kausa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'just cause' is translated into Spanish as justa causa.
This phrase refers to a legitimate and legal reason for taking a specific action, most frequently used in legal and labor contexts. For example, it is common to see it used in the expression despido por justa causa, which means dismissal for just cause.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective justa (just/fair) and the noun causa (cause/reason).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'just causes', both the adjective and the noun take the plural suffix to form justas causas.
Did you know?
- In Peru, a causa is also a traditional potato-based dish. This meaning is thought to be influenced by the Quechua word kawsay, which means 'life'.
- In some regions, the word causa is used as slang to refer to a close friend or 'homie'. This usage is entirely separate from the legal meaning of 'just cause'.
- Beyond meaning a reason, causa is the standard term for a 'lawsuit' or a specific 'legal case' handled in court.
Examples in context
- Esta organización lucha por una causa justa.This organization fights for a just cause.
- Juan decidió abandonar su trabajo solo porque no le gustaba el jefe.Juan decided to quit his job just because he didn't like his boss.
- El despido se realizó por justa causa.The dismissal was carried out for just cause.
- No existe una justa causa para este despido.There is no just cause for this dismissal.
- La empresa presentó una justa causa documentada.The company presented a documented just cause.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a former colleague's termination at the office.
- MateoElena, ¿sabes por qué despidieron a Luis?Elena, do you know why they fired Luis?
- ElenaSí, cometió un error grave y fue por justa causa.Yes, he made a serious mistake and it was for just cause.
- MateoNo sabía que fuera algo tan serio.I didn't know it was something so serious.
- ElenaLa empresa tenía toda la justa causa para actuar.The company had every just cause to act.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries causa, justa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
