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"Por que" is a form of "por que", a phrase which is often translated as "why". "Por qué no" is a form of "por qué no", a phrase which is often translated as "why not". Learn more about the difference between "por que" and "por qué no" below.
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.
por qué no(
pohr
keh
noh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. why not
Por qué no bañarse de noche en el lago. A mí me parece una gran idea. - A mí también.Why not go for a swim at night in the lake at night. I think it's a great idea. - Me too.
b. why not?
¿Te apetece cenar conmigo esta noche? - Sí, por qué no.Do you feel like having dinner with me tonight? - Yes, why not?
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
No sé por qué no le pides a Claudio que te invite a cenar. Seguro que dice que sí.I don't know why you don't ask Claudio to take you to dinner. He'll surely say yes.
¿Por qué no quieres venir con nosotros, Lisa?Why don't you want to come with us, Lisa?
