Causal clauses (como)

Starting sentences with "como"

You might know como as "how" or "like," but when placed at the beginning of a sentence, it translates to "since" or "because."

If you want to start a sentence with "because," Spanish speakers almost always use como instead of porque.

Since there is a power outage, we have to postpone the party.
Como hay un apagón, tenemos que posponer la fiesta.
Since there is a flood, they are suspending the game.
Como hay una inundación, suspenden el partido.

The structure is simple: Como + [cause], + [effect].

Since the rain is intense, I am suspending the class.
Como la lluvia es intensa, suspendo la clase.
Since the doctor is not available, we are rescheduling the appointment.
Como el doctor no está disponible, reprogramamos la cita.

Starting with como sets up the background immediately, whether you're explaining a cancellation or suggesting an alternative plan:

Since you have the day off, it is a good alternative.
Como tienes el día libre, es una buena alternativa.
Since that alternative is available, I prefer it.
Como esa alternativa está disponible, la prefiero.