શા માટે
sha maate
The Gujarati word for 'why' is શા માટે (sha maate).
શા માટે is used as an interrogative adverb to ask for the reason behind an action or situation.
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase શા માટે is composed of શા, meaning 'what' and માટે, meaning 'for'.
Which one should you use?
શા માટે specifically asks for a reason, whereas the alternative કેમ can function as both 'why' and 'how' depending on the context.
How do you pronounce it?
sha maate
Did you know?
- Unlike English where 'why' usually starts a question, શા માટે can be placed at the end of a sentence for rhetorical effect or to show frustration.
- Depending on the tone of voice, the word કેમ can transform from a genuine inquiry into a rhetorical question used to scold someone.
- In very formal literature or legal documents, શા માટે is preferred over કેમ to ensure there is no ambiguity between 'how' and 'why'.
Examples in context
- શા માટે?Why?This example shows how to use શા માટે to ask 'Why?'Tatoeba #5685977 by Rav, translation #36419 by Eldad
- તમે આ કામ શું માટે કરી રહ્યા છો?For what reason are you doing this job?
- તે શા માટે મોડો આવ્યો?te shā māte modō āvyō?Why did he come late?
- તમે શા માટે રડો છો?tamē shā māte raḍō chō?Why are you crying?
Example conversation
Priya asks Nilay why he is leaving the party early.
- પ્રિયા Priyaનિલય, તમે શા માટે વહેલા જાઓ છો?Nilay, tamē shā māte vahēlā jā'ō chō?Nilay, why are you leaving early?
- નિલય Nilayમારે ઘણું કામ બાકી છે.Mārē ghaṇu kām bākī chē.I have a lot of work left.
- પ્રિયા Priyaશું તમારી તબિયત ઠીક નથી?Shu tamārī tabiyat ṭhīk nathī?Is your health not okay?
- નિલય Nilayના, બસ કામ વધારે છે.Nā, bas kām vadhārē chē.No, it's just that there is too much work.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
