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QUICK ANSWER
"Por eso" is a phrase which is often translated as "that's why", and "o sea" is a phrase which is often translated as "in other words". Learn more about the difference between "por eso" and "o sea" below.
por eso(
pohr
eh
-
soh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. that's why
Está lloviendo. Por eso todo el mundo anda con paraguas.It's raining. That's why everyone has an umbrella out.
b. that is why
Alberto está cocinando, por eso huele tan bien en la casa.Alberto is cooking, that is why it smells so good in the house.
c. so
Me sentía sola y necesitaba hablar con alguien, por eso te llamé.I felt lonely and needed to talk to someone, so I called you.
d. for that reason
¿Por qué viniste a Nueva York? - Vine a esta ciudad para estudiar interpretación. Lo hice solamente por eso.Why did you come to New York? - I came to this city to study acting. I did it only for that reason.
o sea(
oh
seh
-
ah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. in other words
Estoy ocupado ese día. O sea, no puedo venir a la fiesta.I'm busy that day. In other words, I can't come to the party.
b. that is to say
El inquilino, o sea tú, debe mantener el apartamento en buenas condiciones.The tenant—that is to say, you—must keep the apartment in good condition.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
2. (colloquial) (to express incredulity) (Mexico)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Mexico
a. come on (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Leonard se acaba de comprar un Ferrari. - ¡O sea!Leonard just bought himself a Ferrari. - Come on!
