Students are often confused by the multiple forms of “because” in Latin. A student posted the following helpful explanation in the forums:
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I think I have figured out the difference between: “quia, quod, nam, enim, propter, and ob”. Did I forget to include any words that are similar? Do you think my following explanation is accurate?
“quia” and “quod” are basically the same, they mean “because” and they seem to be used when you’re answering a question.
Exmp: “Cur…?” “Quia/quod….”
I don’t think it matters which one you use.
“Nam” and “enim” seem to be used more when you are making a clause or explaining something you have already said. They don’t seem to be used when answering someone who has asked you something. They work translated as “because” or as “for”.
Exmp: “Iulius solus non est, nam quattuor servi apud eum sunt.” OR “Timothius doctus est. Is enim multos libros legit.”
“Propter” and “ob” seem to work better translated as “on account of” or “because of” instead of “because”.
Exmp: “Marcus umidus est propter imbrem.” OR “Puer in domo manet ob nubes veniens.”
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