How to Say "Why" in Latin - How To Say Guide

cūr

The Latin word for 'why' is cūr. Wiktionary also lists quārē.

Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)

Ways to say it

“why” in Latin
Latin
cūr
quārē

The word is used as an interrogative adverb to ask for the reason behind an action or state.

While cūr is the standard way to ask why, quārē is used when you want to be more formal or emphatic, specifically meaning 'for what reason'.

In Roman legal documents quārē often acted as a transition word meaning 'therefore' or 'wherefore'. It was used to connect a list of evidence to a final judicial verdict.
The word cūr can be used to express irony or indignation rather than to ask a question. In these cases it functions as a sharp accusation or a way to show disbelief.

Cūr mē secūta es?
Why have you been following me?
This sentence shows how to use cūr to ask about a continuous action.
Tatoeba #11137983 by alexmarcelo, translation #9725211 by CK
Cūr tam diū āfuistī?
Why have you been away so long?
This sentence demonstrates using cūr to ask about the duration of an absence.
Tatoeba #11138000 by alexmarcelo, translation #4014688 by CK
Cūr mē hūc addūxistī?
Why have you brought me here?
This sentence illustrates using cūr when asking about the reason for being led somewhere.
Tatoeba #11137961 by alexmarcelo, translation #4015419 by CK
Cur me vituperas?
Why do you criticize me?
Quamobrem tantum ridetis?
Why are you laughing so much?
Cur mihi non respondes?
Why aren't you answering me?
Quāre hoc facis?
Why are you doing this?
108 more sentences on Tatoeba

Quintus and Lucia are discussing a missed meeting.

Sources

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