cause
The Spanish word 'causa' is used much like the English word 'cause'. It can refer to the reason why something happens or exists, or something that brings about an effect or result. It can be used in many contexts such as legal (e.g. 'por una buena causa' - for a good cause) or scientific. It is a common and widely used word in Spanish.
I'm sick because of the food I ate yesterday.
In this sentence, 'causa' is showing the reason why the speaker is sick, which is due to the food eaten the previous day.
The reason for his delay is the traffic in the city.
'Causa' here refers to the reason for the person's delayed arrival, attributed to city traffic.
The event was cancelled because of the wind.
'A causa de' suggests the event cancellation happened due to the wind.
The reason for his happiness is getting good grades.
The term 'causa' reflects the source of happiness, which is receiving good grades in this context.
I couldn't play because of the rain.
The speaker was unable to play and the word 'causa' tells us the reason, which is the rainfall.
The reason for his failure was his arrogance.
'La causa de' is used here to express the reason for the person's failure, his arrogance.
Because of poverty, many children can't go to school.
In this phrase, 'a causa de' sets the poverty as the reason why many children are unable to attend school.
The reason for my trip is to meet with my family.
The term 'causa' is referencing the motive for the speaker's travel, which in this situation, is to meet up with family.
Because of your help, I was able to complete the project.
'A causa de' is used here to express gratitude towards the help received, which allowed the speaker to complete a project.
The reason for his success is his dedication.
'La causa de' identifies the dedication as the source of the individual's success.