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"Por el cual" is a phrase which is often translated as "for which", and "por lo que" is a phrase which is often translated as "so". Learn more about the difference between "por el cual" and "por lo que" below.
por el cual(
pohr
 
ehl
 
kwahl
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. for which
¿Existe algún motivo por el cual no quiere aceptar ese trabajo?Is there a reason for which you don't want to accept that job?
b. by which
El medio por el cual nos comunicamos dejó de funcionar.The means by which we communicate stopped working.
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por lo que(
pohr
 
loh
 
keh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. so
Mi tío estaba ocupado, por lo que regresé a casa sin hablar con él.My uncle was busy, so I went back home without talking to him.
b. for which reason
Mi jefe no tenía confianza en mí, por lo que me vigilaba constantemente.My boss didn't trust me, for which reason he kept an eye on me constantly.
c. which is why
Es difícil explicar el problema, por lo que me voy a callar.It's hard to explain the problem, which is why I'm not going to say anything.
d. which was why
Me enfadé muchísimo, por lo que le colgué el teléfono.I got really annoyed, which was why I hung up on him.
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