¿por qué haces esto?
The English phrase "why are you doing this?" is translated into Spanish as ¿por qué haces esto?
This phrase is a question used to ask for the reason or motive behind someone's current actions. Depending on the context, it can refer to an action happening right now or an action that someone performs habitually.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Why do you do this?" because the Spanish present tense is used for both immediate actions and habitual ones.
Which one should you use?
The form ¿por qué haces esto? can mean both "Why are you doing this (now)?" and "Why do you do this (habitually)?" depending on the context. If the object being done is already understood, you can replace esto (this) with lo (it) to say ¿por qué lo haces?, which means "Why are you doing it?"
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the formal "you", change the verb from haces to hace to form ¿por qué hace esto?
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, asking ¿por qué? can be perceived as more confrontational than asking ¿para qué?, which asks for the purpose or goal of the action.
- In Spanish, the word porqué written as one word and with an accent is a noun meaning 'the reason' or 'the cause'. It is often used with the article el to say el porqué, which means 'the why'.
- Depending on your tone, this phrase can sound like a genuine inquiry or a heavy accusation, as Spanish uses pitch and volume to convey much of the emotional weight that English might express with different words.
Examples in context
- Sé que no es bueno, ¿por qué haces esto?I know it's not good, why are you doing this?
Example conversation
Maria finds Javier cleaning the entire house unexpectedly.
- MaríaJavier, ¿por qué haces esto?Javier, why are you doing this?
- JavierQuiero darte una sorpresa, María.I want to give you a surprise, Maria.
- MaríaEs muy amable, pero no era necesario.It is very kind, but it wasn't necessary.
- JavierLo hago porque te quiero.I'm doing it because I love you.
