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"Si" is a form of "si", a conjunction which is often translated as "if". "Por que" is a form of "por que", a phrase which is often translated as "why". Learn more about the difference between "si" and "por que" below.
si(
see
)
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
conjunction
a. if
Si llueve mañana, cancelaremos el pícnic.If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.
a. whether
Preguntó si me estaba divirtiendo.He asked whether I was enjoying myself.
b. if
Paco quiere saber si Laura también va a asistir.Paco wants to know if Laura is also going to attend.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. B
Primero lo oí en si menor.I first heard it played in B minor.
b. ti (solfége)
Practiquemos las escalas en orden inverso: do, si, la...Let's practice scales in reverse order: do, ti, la...
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por que(
pohr
 
keh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
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.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct 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.
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