pourquoi
/puʁ.kwa/
The French word for "why" is pourquoi.
pourquoi is an interrogative adverb used to ask for a reason or for what reason. It can also function as a noun meaning "the reason". In conversation, using Pourquoi ? as a standalone question is a common way to ask for a reason or justification. For an informal way to say "how come", you can use Comment ça se fait.
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word pourquoi is a combination of pour (for) and quoi (what).
Which one should you use?
While pourquoi is used to ask "why", parce que is the standard way to answer with "because".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the informal expression Pourquoi faire? is commonly used to ask why.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, pourquoi can be used at the beginning of a sentence, in the middle or at the end of a sentence to mean 'why'.
How do you pronounce it?
/puʁ.kwa/
Did you know?
- The French phrase pourquoi pas is often used as a casual way to accept a suggestion, functioning more as a 'yes' than a question.
- The modern word pourquoi evolved from the Old French phrase por quoi, which functioned as two separate words before merging into a single adverb.
- If you ask Pourquoi ? in a playful or challenging way, it can sometimes sound like you are questioning someone's authority or logic rather than just seeking information.
Examples in context
- Et pourquoi pas ?And why not?This sentence shows how to use pourquoi in the phrase "And why not?"Tatoeba #1039348 by sacredceltic, translation #1039433 by GPHemsley
- Il a su pourquoi.He found out why.This sentence demonstrates the use of pourquoi to mean "why".Tatoeba #11682038 by Amastan, translation #8572683 by Amastan
- Pourquoi as-tu ri ?Why did you laugh?This sentence shows how to use pourquoi to ask a direct question.Tatoeba #3501419 by Rovo, translation #10771008 by samir_t
- Madame, pourquoi êtes-vous en retard?Madam, why are you late?
- Excusez-moi, pour quelle raison le vol est-il annulé?Excuse me, for what reason is the flight canceled?
- Monsieur, pouvez-vous m'expliquer pour quelles raisons les prix ont augmenté?Sir, can you explain to me for what reasons the prices have increased?
- Hé, Pierre, comment ça se fait que tu n'es pas venu hier soir?Hey, Pierre, how come you didn't come last night?
- 5318 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are talking about a canceled plan.
- LéaPourquoi est-ce que tu ne viens pas ?Why are you not coming?
- HugoJe suis trop fatigué, Léa.I am too tired, Léa.
- LéaMais pourquoi as-tu si peu dormi ?But why did you sleep so little?
- HugoJ'ai eu beaucoup de travail.I had a lot of work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “why” translations and entries pourquoi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pourquoi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
