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"Por eso" is a phrase which is often translated as "that's why", and "por ello" is a conjunction which is often translated as "so". Learn more about the difference between "por eso" and "por ello" 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.
por ello(
pohr
eh
-
yoh
)A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
1. (general)
a. so
Tenemos poco tiempo; por ello limitaré mi exposición a los puntos más importantes.We're short of time, so I'll limit my presentation to the most important points.
b. therefore
Se trata de un trabajo complicado y por ello debe asignarse a un empleado experimentado.This is a complicated job, and it therefore needs to be assigned to an experienced employee.
d. that's why
Ya lo esperaba. Por ello no me siento decepcionada.I was expecting this. That's why I don't feel disappointed.
e. for that reason
Entiendo lo que quiso decir Susana. Por ello, no me ofendí.I understand what Susana meant. For that reason, I'm not offended.
