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"Por lo cual" is a phrase which is often translated as "therefore", and "por lo que" is a phrase which is often translated as "so". Learn more about the difference between "por lo cual" and "por lo que" below.
por lo cual(
pohr
loh
kwahl
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. therefore
Cometí muchos errores, por lo cual decidí dimitir.I made many mistakes, therefore I decided to resign.
b. so
Pasaron tres días sin agua, por lo cual estaban deshidratados.They spent three days without water, so they were dehydrated.
c. consequently
La nueva ley educativa ha sido un fracaso, por lo cual debería derogarse.The new education law has been a failure. Consequently, it should be repealed.
d. as a result
Perdí mi empleo, por lo cual terminé perdiendo mi casa.I lost my job; as a result, I eventually lost my house.
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.
