ಏಕೆ
ēke/eːke/
In Kannada, the English phrase "why" is expressed as ಏಕೆ (ēke). Wiktionary also lists ಯಾಕೆ (yāke).
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
Ways to say it
| Kannada | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ಏಕೆ | ēke | /eːke/ |
| ಯಾಕೆ | yāke |
The word is used as an interrogative adverb to ask for the reason behind an action or situation.
Which one should you use?
ಏಕೆ (ēke) is more formal and is typically used in written language or formal speeches, while ಯಾಕೆ (yāke) is more common in everyday spoken conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
ēke (/eːke/)
Did you know?
- When someone asks ಯಾಕೆ (yāke) in a sharp tone, it can function as a challenge meaning 'who are you to ask' rather than a genuine request for a reason.
- While 'why' is a simple adverb in English, a speaker might use a long descriptive clause in Kannada to express the same feeling of 'for what reason' to sound more polite.
- If you are arguing, using the formal ಏಕೆ (ēke) instead of ಯಾಕೆ (yāke) can make you sound condescending or overly dramatic, as if you are a character in a stage play.
Examples in context
- ನೀವು ಯಾಕೆ ನನಗೆ ಧನ್ಯವಾದ ಹೇಳುತ್ತೀರಾ?Why are you thanking me?This sentence shows how to use ಯಾಕೆ when asking a question about someone's actions.Tatoeba #4775458 by legalghost, translation #3822569 by CK
- "ಯಾಕೆ?" "ಸುಮ್ಮನೆ.""Why?" "Just because."This illustrates a short, conversational exchange using ಯಾಕೆ.Tatoeba #13226251 by Lumi, translation #10075410 by espamatics
- ಅವನು ಏಕೆ ತಡವಾಗಿ ಬಂದನು?avanu ēke taḍavāgi bandanu?Why did he come late?
Example conversation
A woman asks a man why he is leaving the office early.
- ಕಾವ್ಯ Kavyaನೀವು ಏಕೆ ಬೇಗ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದೀರಿ?nīvu ēke bēga hōguttiddīri?Why are you leaving early?
- ಪ್ರಣವ್ Pranavನನಗೆ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಕೆಲಸವಿದೆ.nanage svalpa kelasavide.I have some work.
- ಕಾವ್ಯ Kavyaಇಂದು ಏನಾದರೂ ವಿಶೇಷವಿದೆಯೇ?indu ēnādaru viśēṣavideyē?Is there something special today?
- ಪ್ರಣವ್ Pranavಇಲ್ಲ, ಕೇವಲ ವೈಯಕ್ತಿಕ ಕೆಲಸ.illa, kēvala vaiyaktika kelasa.No, just personal work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “why” translations and entries ಏಕೆ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
