First of all .... Why? is 'Por qué' always two separate words with an accent on the é of qué
'Because' is always one word - porque
Your question concerning 'como' also intrigues me. You are again correct in stating that it has many meanings. As English speakers we must avoid the temptation to search for total word-for- word 'equivalency' when learning Spanish or any other language for that matter.
Sometimes you'll have five words in Spanish for one word in English and vice-versa. That's just how it is.
Sentence structure is often referred to as 'syntax' or word order.
Syntax (word order) can dramatically impact the meaning of a word within a sentence.
¿Cómo? can politely be used to say 'What?' when you didn't hear someone the first time.
¿Qué? means 'What' but is quite familiar and strong as a response and should be avoided with strangers and persons of respect.
'Como' may be used to mean 'how'. ¿Cómo lo hago? 'How do I do it?'
"Cómo te va?" = How are you doing?
"¿Cómo te ha ido?" 'How have you been?' informal. (literally: How has it gone for you?)
As a general rule of thumb, try to avoid direct word-for-word translations and seek the equivalency of 'meaning' instead.
In English, 'I'd just as soon go." means "I'd rather go." Try explaining this word-for-word to a non English speaking person. It's better to simply say "I'd rather go" is the same as "I'd just as soon go" and so forth, without explaining the confusing details. I think you get the picture.
Great questions. Keep asking. I'm here to serve.
Hasta pronto,
Mark Frobose
