razón principal
/raθon pɾinθipal/from spelling rules
The English phrase "main reason" is translated into Spanish as razón principal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun razón (reason) and the adjective principal (main/principal).
Which one should you use?
While razón principal is common, motivo principal is often used when referring to a specific motive or driving force behind an action.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because razón is a feminine noun, the definite article must be the feminine la instead of the masculine el, forming la razón principal. To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must take the plural suffix, resulting in las razones principales.
How do you pronounce it?
/raθon pɾinθipal/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, saying tienes razón does not mean you are discussing a 'main reason' for something, but rather that you are 'correct'. It literally translates to 'you have reason'.
- The word razón is used in the phrase perder la razón, which means to go insane. It describes a state where a person has lost their capacity for logical thought.
- The word razón is a doublet of ración, meaning 'portion' or 'ration'. Both words evolved from the same Latin root ratiōnem, which originally referred to a calculation or an accounting of items.
Examples in context
- La razón principal fue que tuvo muy poco tiempo para eso.The main reason was that he had too little time for it.Tatoeba #2970300 by pipus_net, translation #2969248 by megamanenm
- En muchos países, la razón principal por la que la gente se va a las grandes ciudades es el trabajo.In many countries, the main reason that people come to big cities is because of work.Tatoeba #2182516 by Shishir, translation #274833 by CK
- Las calles principales de muchos pueblos han sido, de hecho, abandonadas. La razón principal es el avance de grandes tiendas como Wal-Mart.The main streets of many villages have in fact been abandoned. The main reason is the advance of big stores like Wal-Mart.Tatoeba #7091518 by Eremon, translation #2698910 by WestofEden
- La razón principal de mi decisión es…The main reason for my decision is…
- El motivo principal de mi elección es…The main reason for my choice is…
- La causa principal del conflicto fue…The main reason for the conflict was…
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing why a local bakery closed down.
- Lucía¿Sabes cuál es la razón principal del cierre?Do you know the main reason for the closure?
- JavierCreo que la razón principal fue la falta de clientes.I think the main reason was the lack of customers.
- LucíaEs una lástima porque su pan era excelente.It's a shame because their bread was excellent.
- JavierSí, pero la economía cambió mucho.Yes, but the economy changed a lot.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries principal, razón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
