Using que to express cause in Spanish

Learn about clauses using que to introduce a cause in Spanish

One way to express cause, in much the same way as porque, in an explanatory subordinate clause is by introducing the clause with que.

Have a look and listen to the following examples:

Me voy al supermercado, que tengo que comprar.I'm going to the supermarket because I have to shop.

Vosotros vais a estudiar, que tenéis que aprender muchas cosas.You are going to study as you have lots to learn.

Vinisteis juntos a Madrid, que teníais una reunión de negocios.You came together to Madrid because you had a business meeting.

No he venido a trabajar hoy, que estoy enfermo.I didn't go to work today as I feel sick.

Notice how this que does not have an accent despite being in the beginning of the sentence. It is not a question word but a conjunction!

Let's look at the following example to understand how que works to express cause:

Voy a hablar con la profesora, que no entiendo nada.

We could easily have said the same with porque:

Voy a hablar con la profesora, porque no entiendo nada.
I am going to talk to the teacher because I don't understand anything.

See also Conjunción.

Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics

Examples and resources

Vinisteis juntos a Madrid, que teníais una reunión de negocios.You came together to Madrid because you had a business meeting.
No he venido a trabajar hoy, que estoy enfermo.I didn't go to work today as I feel sick.
Me voy al supermercado, que tengo que comprar.I'm going to the supermarket because I have to shop.
Vosotros vais a estudiar, que tenéis que aprender muchas cosas.You are going to study as you have lots to learn.
Clever stuff happening!