por lo tanto
/poɾ lo ˈtanto/
In Spanish, "therefore" can be translated in several ways depending on the context, with por lo tanto being the default form. Wiktionary also lists por eso and por consiguiente.
Meaning: consequently, by consequence (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| por lo tanto | /poɾ lo ˈtanto/ |
| por eso | /poɾ ˈeso/ |
| por consiguiente | /poɾ konsiˈɡjente/ |
| por ende | /poɾ ˈende/ |
| por tanto | /poɾ ˈtanto/ |
These phrases are used to express a consequence or a logical result, meaning "consequently" or "by consequence."
Which one should you use?
While many forms exist, they differ in tone and specific nuance. por eso is the most common way to say "that's why" or "therefore" in everyday spoken Spanish. In contrast, por consiguiente is highly formal and is typically reserved for academic writing, legal documents or formal speeches. por ende is a very formal, literary way to express "hence" or "therefore" and is rarely used in conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ lo ˈtanto/
Did you know?
- The formal phrase por ende is actually a linguistic relative of the Portuguese word porém, which means 'however'.
- In the phrase por lo tanto, the word tanto can mean 'so much' or 'so many', making the literal sense closer to 'for that much'.
- While por eso is used in almost every casual conversation, using por consiguiente at a dinner table would make you sound like a legal textbook.
Examples in context
- Pienso, por lo tanto huyo.I think, therefore I flee.This sentence shows the use of por lo tanto in a logical sequence.Tatoeba #5369164 by albrusgher, translation #1082600 by sacredceltic
- Pienso, por lo tanto existo.I think, therefore I am.This sentence demonstrates a classic philosophical use of por lo tanto.Tatoeba #5369161 by albrusgher, translation #454514 by FeuDRenais
- Consumo, por lo tanto existo.I consume, therefore I am.This sentence uses por lo tanto to show a consequence of consumption.Tatoeba #5369172 by albrusgher, translation #1255058 by BraveSentry
- El examen fue difícil. Por lo tanto, tengo que estudiar más la próxima vez.The exam was difficult, therefore, I have to study more next time.
- No recibimos el pago a tiempo. Por consiguiente, tendremos que suspender el proyecto.We did not receive the payment on time, therefore, we will have to suspend the project.
- No encontré mi billetera en casa. Entonces, debe estar en la oficina.I didn't find my wallet at home, therefore, it must be in the office.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing a late project.
- LucíaNo tenemos el informe, por lo tanto no podemos empezar.We don't have the report, therefore we cannot start.
- AlejandroLo siento, Lucía. Lo enviaré ahora mismo.I'm sorry, Lucía. I will send it right now.
- LucíaEstá bien, pero llegaremos tarde a la reunión.That's fine, but we will be late to the meeting.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Alejandro lo resolverá rápido.You are right, Alejandro will resolve it quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “therefore” translations and entries por lo tanto, por eso, por consiguiente, por ende, por tanto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries consiguiente, ende, eso, por, por ende, por eso, tanto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
