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"Por eso" is a phrase which is often translated as "that's why", and "por lo que" is a phrase which is often translated as "so". Learn more about the difference between "por eso" and "por lo que" 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 lo que(
pohr
loh
keh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
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.
