Learn Spanish (Spain): Esta semana no hemos viajado por la avería del coche. - This week we have not traveled because of the car's breakdown.

Esta semana no hemos viajado por la avería del coche.

This week we have not traveled because of the car's breakdown.

Breakdown of Esta semana no hemos viajado por la avería del coche.

of the / from the / about the (topic)

Questions & Answers about Esta semana no hemos viajado por la avería del coche.

Why do we use por here instead of porque?

Por translates to "because of" when it is followed by a noun phrase, like la avería (the breakdown). If you wanted to use porque (because), you would need to follow it with a conjugated verb, such as porque el coche tiene una avería (because the car has a breakdown).

Could I use para instead of por in this sentence?

No, because por is used to explain the cause or reason for an action. The breakdown is the reason the travel didn't happen. Para is used to express a purpose, goal, or destination, which doesn't fit the meaning here.

Why use hemos viajado instead of the simple past viajamos?

In Spain, the present perfect (hemos viajado) is triggered by time markers that indicate an unfinished time period. Because esta semana (this week) is still ongoing, you use this tense rather than the simple past.

What exactly is an avería?

Avería refers to a mechanical breakdown, fault, or damage to a machine. When talking about vehicles, plumbing, or appliances stopping working, this is the most common noun to use.