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"Por" is a preposition which is often translated as "by", and "debido a" is a phrase which is often translated as "because of". Learn more about the difference between "por" and "debido a" below.
por(
pohr
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
5. (by way of)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Has ido a por tu hijo a la escuela?Have you picked up your son from school?
Habrá que ir a por leche cuando lleguemos.We'll need to go out for milk when we get there.
8. (for each)
10. (in place of)
a. for
Yo terminaré el trabajo por ti cuando estés de vacaciones.I'll finish the job for you while you're on vacation.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Está por verse.That remains to be seen.
El asunto está por resolverse.The issue is yet to be resolved.
debido a(
deh
-
bee
-
doh
ah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. because of
Marta trabaja hoy desde casa debido a la huelga de transporte público.Marta is working from home today because of the public transport strike.
b. due to
Algunas carreteras se han cerrado debido a las malas condiciones climáticas.Some roads have been closed due to bad weather conditions.
c. owing to
Hubo un malentendido entre el abogado y su cliente debido a una mala traducción del intérprete.There was a misunderstanding between the attorney and his client owing to a bad translation by the interpreter.
d. on account of
Pedro lleva ya meses sin trabajar debido a una lesión de columna.Pedro has been off work for months now on account of a spinal injury.