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"Que" is a form of "que", a conjunction which is often translated as "that". "Por qué" is a form of "por qué", a phrase which is often translated as "why". Learn more about the difference between "que" and "por qué" below.
que(
keh
)
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
conjunction
a. that
Tenga en cuenta que algunas de estas características son diferentes.Note that some of these characteristics are different.
a. than
Es más barato comprar el libro en la librería que comprarlo online.It's cheaper to buy the book in the bookshop than to buy it online.
Mi hermano es más alto que yo.My brother is taller than me.
b. to
Prefiero las tiendas pequeñas que los grandes supermercados.I prefer small stores to big supermarkets.
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
a. who (person)
El hombre que le salvó la vida a mi bebé está aquí.The man who saved my baby's life is here.
b. which (thing)
El libro que más ha influido en mí es este.The book which has had the greatest influence on me is this one.
c. that (thing)
El pastel que me encanta es el de chocolate.The cake that I love is chocolate cake.
a. who (person)
Vi a la mujer que trabaja en el spa.I saw the woman who works in the spa.
b. that (thing)
¡Enséñame el vestido que llevaste en la fiesta!Show me the dress that you wore to the party!
Ese es el teléfono que yo quiero.That's the phone that I want.
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por qué(
pohr
 
keh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. why (adverb)
¿Por qué no te gustan las guayabas?Why don't you like guavas?
a. why (adverb)
Me gustaría saber por qué los gatos ronronean.I would like to know why cats purr.
a. what (pronoun)
¡Por qué cascadas más hermosas pasó la lancha!What beautiful waterfalls the skiff passed through!
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. reason
No tenían por qué sospechar que yo era un espía.They had no reason to suspect I was a spy.
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