क्यों
kyõ/kjõː/
The English word 'why' is translated into Hindi as क्यों (kyõ).
क्यों is an interrogative adverb used to ask for a reason or cause. You can also use the specific construction क्यों न (kyõ na) to make suggestions, which functions similarly to the English phrase 'why not'.
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, क्यों is invariant. It does not change its form based on the gender or number of the subject in a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is kyõ and the IPA is /kjõː/.
Did you know?
- When someone says क्यों in a sharp or rising tone during an argument, it can function as a challenge meaning 'And what of it?' or 'So what?'
- In some regional dialects of North India, क्यों is replaced by काहे (kāhe) in informal speech, which is widely recognized across the Hindi belt.
- The root of क्यों is linked to the ancient Apabhramsa forms like किंव (kiṃva). This connects the modern question word to linguistic structures used over a thousand years ago.
Examples in context
- पूछ क्यों रहे हो?Why do you ask?This sentence shows how to use क्यों to ask for a reason for an action.Tatoeba #11371260 by Sorcien, translation #1368 by CK
- क्यों न तुम मेरे साथ चलो?Why not come with me?This sentence demonstrates the use of क्यों न to make a suggestion.Tatoeba #12408698 by Saumya, translation #3096427 by CK
- तुमने दरवाज़ा क्यों बंद कर दिया?Why have you shut the door?This sentence uses क्यों to inquire about the reason behind a specific event.Tatoeba #8879551 by simranbansal, translation #8879380 by CM
- तुम ऐसा क्यूँ कर रहे हो?Why are you doing this?
- 171 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Amit and Pooja are talking about a missed meeting.
- पूजा Poojaअमित, तुम कल क्यों नहीं आए?Amit, tum kal kyon nahin aaye?Amit, why didn't you come yesterday?
- अमित Amitमेरी तबीयत ठीक नहीं थी।meri tabiyat theek nahin thi.I was not feeling well.
- पूजा Poojaक्या हुआ था?kya hua tha?What happened?
- अमित Amitमुझे बहुत तेज़ बुखार था।mujhe bahut tez bukhaar tha.I had a very high fever.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “why” translations and entries क्यों, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries क्यों, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
