para que lo sepas
/paɾa ke lo sepas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'just so you know' is translated into Spanish as para que lo sepas.
This phrase is used to provide someone with information they may find useful or important. It is often placed at the beginning of a sentence to set the tone for a piece of information that might be a warning, a clarification or a subtle hint.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of para que (so that/in order that), lo (it) and sepas (you know in the subjunctive mood), which literally translates to 'so that you know it'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the expression para que sepas may be used instead of solo para que sepas to convey 'just so you know'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb saber is used in the present subjunctive sepas because the phrase expresses a purpose or intention. If you are speaking to someone formally using usted, you must change the verb to sepa (para que lo sepa). If you are addressing a group of people, the verb changes to the third-person plural sepan (para que lo sepan).
How do you pronounce it?
/paɾa ke lo sepas/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, starting a sentence with para que lo sepas can signal a 'passive-aggressive' tone. Depending on the inflection, it can transform a helpful hint into a stern warning or a social correction.
- While para que lo sepas is used for facts, Spanish uses a completely different verb, conocer, if you want to say you 'know' a person, a place, or a feeling.
- The word para is a linguistic blend of two different Latin prepositions, pro and ad, which merged into an early Spanish form called pora.
Examples in context
- Para que lo sepas, esta es una broma de muy mal gusto.Just so you know, this is a very bad joke.This sentence is useful for showing how to use para que lo sepas at the start of a sentence to provide a clarification.Tatoeba #1205419 by alexmarcelo, translation #2321165 by marcelostockle
- Para su conocimiento, la reunión de mañana ha sido pospuesta.Just so you know, the meeting tomorrow has been postponed.
- Solo para que sepas, el concierto se ha cancelado.Just so you know, the concert has been canceled.
- Te lo digo para que lo sepas.I am telling you this just so you know.
- Para que lo sepas, mañana es festivo.Just so you know, tomorrow is a holiday.
Example conversation
Elena is telling Javier about a change in their plans.
- JavierElena, ¿sabes algo del restaurante?Elena, do you know anything about the restaurant?
- ElenaPara que lo sepas, ya no tienen mesa.Just so you know, they don't have a table anymore.
- JavierGracias por avisarme, Elena.Thanks for letting me know, Elena.
- ElenaDe nada, Javier.You're welcome, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lo, para, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
