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"Por la cual" is a phrase which is often translated as "why", and "por que" is a phrase which is also often translated as "why". Learn more about the difference between "por la cual" and "por que" below.
por la cual(
pohr
lah
kwahl
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. by which
El internet es la vía por la cual los miembros del equipo se comunican todos los días.The internet is the means by which the team members communicate with each other every day.
b. through which
La aorta es la arteria por la cual pasa la sangre al resto de las arterias.The aorta is the artery through which the blood gets to the rest of the arteries.
por que(
pohr
keh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (for which)
a. why
Estoy embarazada. Ese es el motivo por que te llamo.I'm pregnant. That's why I'm calling you.
b. for
Los premios por que competían no resultaban muy atractivos.The prizes they were competing for weren't very attractive.
c. that
La razón por que estoy aquí es por que quería pedirte perdón.The reason that I am here is that I wanted to say sorry.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Al final los padres optaron por que su hija no participara en el concurso.In the end, the parents chose not to have their daughter take part in the contest.
Están ansiosos por que empecemos a trabajar en el proyecto.They're eager for us to begin work on the project.
