If you’re learning Spanish, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Es que…” a lot. It’s super common and can make your Spanish sound more natural and expressive. Let’s dive into how to use it like a pro!
What Does “Es que…” Mean? 🤔
Literally, “Es que…” means “It’s that…”. But in real-life conversations, it’s used for way more than that! It can:
- Introduce an explanation or reason
- Soften a statement or request
- Add emphasis
How to Use “Es que…” with Examples 🗣️
1. Explaining or Giving a Reason
This is the most common way to use “Es que…”. It’s perfect for making excuses or explaining why something happened.
Examples:
- Es que llegué tarde porque había mucho tráfico. (I was late because there was a lot of traffic.)
- No puedo ir a la fiesta. Es que tengo que estudiar para un examen. (I can’t go to the party. I have to study for an exam.)
2. Making Polite Requests or Statements
“Es que…” is your go-to phrase for sounding less direct and more polite.
Examples:
- Es que me preguntaba si podrías prestarme tu libro. (I was wondering if you could lend me your book.)
- Es que no entiendo esta parte. ¿Podrías explicármela? (I don’t understand this part. Could you explain it to me?)
3. Adding Emphasis
Want to make your point stronger? “Es que…” can help!
Examples:
- ¡Es que es increíble lo que ha logrado! (It’s just incredible what he/she has achieved!)
- Es que no puedo creer que hayas hecho eso. (I just can’t believe you did that.)
Important Things to Remember 📝
- “Es que…” is mostly used in casual conversations. You might not hear it in formal settings.
- When translating to English, you don’t always need to say “It’s that…”. Sometimes it sounds more natural to skip it altogether.
- You can change the verb tense! “Era que…” (it was that), “Será que…” (it will be that), etc.
¡A Practicar! 💪
Mastering “Es que…” will take your Spanish to the next level! It’s all about sounding more like a native speaker. So, don’t be shy, use it in your conversations. And remember, practice makes perfect! ¡Buena suerte!