perquè (causal i final)

Causal and Purpose Perquè

Level 6

Perquè uses indicative for an asserted cause and subjunctive for an intended result.

How It Works

Ho sé perquè ho he llegit gives the reason for knowing: the reading is asserted. T'ho dic perquè ho sàpigues gives the purpose of telling: the intended knowledge is not asserted as already achieved. The same written connector introduces two different relations.

Test whether the clause explains an existing fact or expresses what the main actor wants to happen. Likelihood is not the test: a very likely purpose still takes subjunctive in the ordinary pattern.

Tense follows the time relationship. A past purpose often uses imperfect subjunctive, as in ho va repetir perquè ho entenguéssim. Keep perquè distinct from interrogative per què, which asks why or for what reason.

Examples (3)

  1. Ho sé perquè ho he llegit.

    I know it because I have read it.

  2. T'ho dic perquè ho sàpigues.

    I am telling you so that you know.

  3. Ho va repetir perquè ho entenguéssim.

    She repeated it so that we would understand it.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

perquè (causal i final)Level 6Causal and Purpose Perquè

Learn This First

Identify an intended result before choosing purpose subjunctive.

Words in This Pattern