dis-moi pourquoi
The English phrase "tell me why" is translated into French as dis-moi pourquoi.
This phrase is used as a request for someone to explain the reason for something. In natural conversation, dis-moi pourquoi is often followed by a subordinate clause, such as dis-moi pourquoi tu es là (tell me why you are here), rather than standing alone as a complete sentence.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb dis (tell), the indirect object pronoun moi (me) and the interrogative adverb pourquoi (why).
How does it change in a sentence?
In the imperative form dis-moi pourquoi, the pronoun moi follows a hyphen and is placed after the verb.
Did you know?
- While dis-moi pourquoi is a request, French speakers often use comment (how) instead of pourquoi when they are asking 'why' to express shock or disbelief.
- If you want to ask for the complete reason for a situation, you can use the idiom le pourquoi du comment. This literally translates to 'the why of the how' and implies a desire for a deep, exhaustive explanation.
- Because dis-moi pourquoi uses the imperative form of the verb, you are technically issuing a command rather than asking a polite question. To sound less bossy, you should use different structures like pourquoi est-ce que….
Examples in context
- Dis-moi pourquoi tu penses ça.Tell me why you think that.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of dis-moi pourquoi with a subordinate clause about thinking.Tatoeba #6396056 by Aiji, translation #3168482 by CK
- Dis-moi pourquoi tu l'as fait.Tell me why you did it.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of dis-moi pourquoi with a subordinate clause about an action.Tatoeba #8396035 by Aiji, translation #3199966 by CK
- Dis-moi pourquoi il était absent.Tell me why he was absent.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of dis-moi pourquoi with a subordinate clause about absence.Tatoeba #816208 by sacredceltic, translation #36386 by CH
- Excusez-moi, monsieur. Pouvez-vous me dire pourquoi les résultats du rapport ont été modifiés?Excuse me, sir. Can you tell me why the report's results have been altered?
- Madame, pourriez-vous m'expliquer pourquoi le projet a été retardé?Madam, could you explain to me why the project has been delayed?
- Hé, dis-moi pourquoi tu n'es pas venu à la fête hier soir?Hey, tell me why you didn't come to the party last night?
- Salut! Raconte-moi pourquoi tu as décidé de changer de carrière?Hi! Tell me why you decided to change careers?
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are discussing a movie they just watched.
- LucasJe n'ai pas aimé ce film.I didn't like this movie.
- ChloéDis-moi pourquoi tu n'as pas aimé.Tell me why you didn't like it.
- LucasL'histoire était trop longue et triste.The story was too long and sad.
- ChloéJe comprends ton point de vue, Lucas.I understand your point of view, Lucas.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
