¿Por qué estás aquí?
The English phrase 'why are you here' is translated into Spanish as ¿Por qué estás aquí?
This phrase is a question used to ask someone for the reason or purpose of their presence in a specific place.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of por qué (for what reason), estás (you are) and aquí (here).
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a single person formally, use the form ¿Por qué está aquí? to use the 'usted' form instead of 'tú'. If you are asking why a group of people is present, use the plural form ¿Por qué están aquí?
Did you know?
- The word aquí is a linguistic fusion of the Latin words for 'this' and 'here'. It stems from the combination of eccum and hīc, essentially meaning 'behold this here'.
- If you were to say ¿Por qué estás aquí? with an aggressive tone, it could imply suspicion rather than curiosity. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking why someone is present can be perceived as a challenge to their right to be there.
- While ¿Por qué estás aquí? is the direct translation, Spanish speakers often use ¿A qué has venido? to ask why someone has come to a place.
Examples in context
- ¿Por qué estás aquí?Why are you here?This example shows the standard way to ask 'Why are you here?'Tatoeba #1526325 by marcelostockle, translation #1481997 by yethay
- De hecho, ¿por qué estás aquí?In fact, why are you here now?This example shows how to ask 'In fact, why are you here now?' using ¿Por qué estás aquí?Tatoeba #10520598 by DJ_Saidez, translation #10513076 by DJ_Saidez
Example conversation
Sofía finds Alejandro waiting in front of her office.
- SofíaAlejandro, ¿por qué estás aquí?Alejandro, why are you here?
- AlejandroSolo quería verte un momento.I just wanted to see you for a moment.
- Sofía¿No tienes que trabajar?Don't you have to work?
- AlejandroYa terminé por hoy.I already finished for today.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aquí, por, qué, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
