How to use 'el hecho de que'

Question

I have already searched this and could only find someone says it depends on whether or not what follows 'el hecho de que' can be justified. But I didn't fully understand what that meant because it seemed like a matter of opinion.

Could someone please give me a simple explanation?

Also, is this sentence correct? El hecho de que la cantante cubana más famosa fuera contra el régimen castrista es muy interesante porque este régimen es un aspecto importante de la historia cubana.

Answer 1

El hecho de que can be translated as The fact that. You usually need the subjunctive after this introductory clause.

Example:

El hecho de que tengas hambre no te da derecho a comerte mi comida.

The fact that you are hungry does not give you the right to eat my food.

I would rephrase your example as follows: El hecho de que la cantante cubana más famosa estuviera en contra. (In Spanish, to be against something is translated as Estar en contra de algo).

Answer 2

Welcome to the forum!

If you have not already tried it, plug your sentence into the translator (click on the word "Translate" at the top of this page).

I am no expert on "hecho de que" but your sentence appears to work in the translator. It says that the phrase means, "It's a fact that." The translator is not 100% reliable (understatement of the year), though, so best to wait for a native speaker to confirm.

In the meantime, it's a good idea to fill out your profile. Since there are people from all over the world here, and it really helps correctors to know your native tongue and level of fluency in Spanish and English.