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"Cómo" is a form of "cómo", an adverb which is often translated as "how". "Por qué" is a form of "por qué", a phrase which is often translated as "why". Learn more about the difference between "cómo" and "por qué" below.
cómo(
koh
-
moh
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. how
¿Cómo hiciste para llegar tan rápido?How did you get here so quickly?
No sé cómo se prende este celular.I don't know how you turn on this cell phone.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¡Uf, cómo pesa esta caja!Gosh, this box is heavy!
¡Cómo me gusta este café!I really like this coffee!
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
a. Sorry?
¿Cómo? Yo tampoco te oigo, debe de ser la línea.Sorry? I can't hear you either, it must be the line.
b. Come again?
Fue rey de Babilonia y su nombre era Nabucodonosor. - ¿Cómo?He was king of Babylon and his name was Nebuchadnezzar. - Come again?
por qué(
pohr
keh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
