perché
/perˈke/
The Italian word for why is perché.
perché can also function as a noun meaning 'the reason'.
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using perché as a noun meaning 'the reason', it is typically preceded by a definite article, such as in il perché.
How do you pronounce it?
/perˈke/
Did you know?
- While perché means 'why' in a question, it is also the exact same word used to mean 'because' in an answer.
- The word perché is actually a contraction of two separate words: 'per' meaning 'for' and 'che' meaning 'which'.
- When Italians are frustrated or bewildered, they might say ma perché! as an exclamation. In this context, it functions less as a question and more as a way to express 'for heaven's sake'.
Examples in context
- Perché è a casa?Why are you home?This sentence shows how to use perché to ask why someone is at home.Tatoeba #2009205 by Guybrush88, translation #1886530 by CK
- So perché è qui.I know why you're here.This sentence demonstrates the use of perché in a declarative statement.Tatoeba #2347422 by Guybrush88, translation #2243488 by Hybrid
- Perché non è lì?Why aren't you there?This sentence illustrates how to ask why someone is not in a certain location using perché.Tatoeba #3571789 by Guybrush88, translation #2646702 by CK
- Mi scusi, posso chiederle perché è qui?Excuse me, may I ask why you are here?
- Perché non sei venuto alla festa?Why didn't you come to the party?
- Come mai hai deciso di cambiare lavoro?Why did you decide to change jobs?
- 14576 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are talking in the kitchen.
- ChiaraPerché sei così silenzioso, Francesco?Why are you so quiet, Francesco?
- FrancescoHo avuto una giornata difficile.I had a difficult day.
- ChiaraPerché non me lo hai detto prima?Why didn't you tell me before?
- FrancescoNon volevo preoccuparti, Chiara.I didn't want to worry you, Chiara.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “why” translations and entries perché, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries perché, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
