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"Es que": when and how use it
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"Es que": when and how use it

“Es que" is a common phrase in Spanish that can be roughly translated as "It's that..." or "The thing is..."

“Es que" is a common phrase in Spanish that can be roughly translated as "It's that..." or "The thing is...". It's frequently used in conversational Spanish for various purposes. Here are some situations in which you might use "es que":

  1. Giving Explanations or Reasons: When providing an explanation or reason for something, "es que" is used to introduce the cause or justification.

    • ¿Por qué llegaste tarde? (Why did you arrive late?)

    • Es que había mucho tráfico. (The thing is, there was a lot of traffic.)

  2. Expressing Excuses or Justifications: It's a common way to gently start an excuse or explain a potentially negative situation.

    • ¿Por qué no hiciste la tarea? (Why didn't you do the homework?)

    • Es que me sentía mal. (It's that I was feeling sick.)

  3. Introducing an Objection or Contradiction: If you want to contradict or object to something someone has said, "es que" can introduce your differing point of view.

    • Deberías salir a correr. (You should go out for a run.)

    • Es que está lloviendo. (The thing is, it's raining.)

  4. Clarifying a Statement: When you feel you haven't expressed something clearly, or if someone has misunderstood you, "es que" can be used to introduce a clarification.

    • No entiendo por qué no puedes ir. (I don't understand why you can't go.)

    • Es que tengo otro compromiso. (It's that I have another commitment.)

  5. Expressing Emotions: Sometimes, "es que" is used to introduce an emotional state or sentiment that explains a particular behavior or attitude.

    • ¿Por qué estás triste? (Why are you sad?)

    • Es que extraño a mi familia. (It's that I miss my family.)

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