γιατί
giatí/ʝaˈti/
The Greek word for "why" is γιατί (giatí).
γιατί is an interrogative adverb used to ask for the reason or cause behind something. The same word can also function as a noun meaning "the reason".
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
Which one should you use?
While γιατί is commonly used to mean "because", in more formal writing, the conjunction επειδή is often preferred to avoid ambiguity with the question "why".
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝaˈti/
Did you know?
- The Greek word γιατί shares the same logical structure as the French 'pourquoi', the Spanish 'por qué' and the Italian 'perché', as all four literally mean 'for what'.
- When asking 'why' in an aggressive or incredulous tone, Greeks may use για τι λόγο to add emphasis, which literally translates to 'for what reason'.
- When asking 'why' in Greek, the word order is much more flexible than in English, often allowing the 'why' to move around for emphasis.
Examples in context
- Γιατί δε λες κάτι;Why don't you say something?This sentence is useful for asking why someone is not saying anything using γιατί.Tatoeba #5509501 by Zeus, translation #5493773 by CK
- Γιατί δεν της λες;Why don't you tell her?This sentence is useful for asking why someone is not telling her using γιατί.Tatoeba #5573858 by Zeus, translation #3908215 by CH
- Γιατί δεν του λες;Why don't you tell him?This sentence is useful for asking why someone is not telling him using γιατί.Tatoeba #5573860 by Zeus, translation #3908214 by CH
- Γιατί ακυρώθηκε η συνάντηση;Why was the meeting canceled?
- Γιατί δεν ήρθες στο πάρτι;Why didn't you come to the party?
- Γιατί ρε τι έγινε;Why, what happened?
- Γιατί με αγνοείς;Why are you ignoring me?
- Γιατί δεν μου απάντησες;Why didn't you answer me?
- Γιατί αγαπάς τη μουσική;Why do you love music?
- Γιατί επιλέξατε αυτό το ξενοδοχείο;Why did you choose this hotel?
- 435 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
George and Anastasia are talking about a cancelled plan.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓιατί δεν ήρθες χθες;Giati den irthes chthes?Why didn't you come yesterday?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΉμουν πολύ κουρασμένη.Imoun poly kourasmeni.I was very tired.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓιατί δεν με called;Giati den me kalises?Why didn't you call me?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΞέχασα το τηλέφωνό μου.Xechasa to telefonoo mou.I forgot my phone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “why” translations and entries γιατί, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γιατί, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
