Random use of "que". Can somebody decipher this for me?

Question

I came across this sentence recently:

"Apúrate, que llegamos tarde."

Also, this sentence:

"No me apures, que ya voy."

I am confused on why the word "que" has been included here. Could somebody please explain it to me or point me in the right direction so I can understand this piece of grammar.

Thank you!

Answer 1

This is not a random use; it must be used to connect the two phrases if the sentence is to be only one, but you could also use in its place "porque", or "pues". The nuance by using just "que" is one of slight frustration or demand.

Answer 2

Something is needed to connect the two parts as they contain different subjects. you/we.

Answer 3

You would actually need something to join the sentences in Englsih too, pescador.

Will you up, otherwise we will be late.

Don't stress me//don't rush me, I'm on my way. ( the implication is: Can't you see than I'm going, it has irritation in it).

NO "than" but instead *that* which by the way means "que" ;) - chileno, Mar 20, 2014

Answer 4

Thanks for the answers everyone. When I read these sentences aloud do I omit the "que" though. As in, it doesn't translate to any word in English, it's only used as a way of connecting for grammatical purposes.

For example:

"Apúrate, que llegamos tarde."

Hurry up, we have arrived late.

AND

"No me apures, que ya voy."

Don't rush me, I'm going.

If I didn't translate these correctly please correct my mistakes as to not confuse others. Thanks!

The present tense is often used in spanish to refer to the close future, so ... 'Hurry up or we'll be late ' might be a good translation. - Kiwi-Girl, Mar 19, 2014

And the other could be translated as. Don't hurry me (because) I'm already on my way/going. - Kiwi-Girl, Mar 19, 2014

Answer 5

Hurry up (that) we are late.

Hurry up, we are late

Answer 6

Thanks everyone for the clarification!