Causal clauses (como)

Starting sentences with "como"

In Spanish, you can use como to mean "since" or "because" to explain the reason for an action or event.

When como gives a reason, its clause must go at the very beginning of the sentence. You cannot place a causal como in the middle of a sentence (unlike porque).

Since it is snowing so much, the tourists cannot ski.
Como nieva tanto, los turistas no pueden esquiar.
Since the cable car that we use is not operational, we walk.
Como el teleférico que usamos no está operativo, caminamos.
Since the ice is melting, the slope is very slippery.
Como el hielo se derrite, la pendiente está muy resbaladiza.
Since the descent is difficult, I prefer to use the sled.
Como el descenso es difícil, prefiero usar el trineo.
Since it froze last night, the cable car is closed.
Como heló anoche, el teleférico está cerrado.