का
kā/ka/
The Marathi word for "why" is का (kā).
का is an interrogative adverb used to ask for the reason.
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the phrase "why not", you can add the negative particle नाही to the word का, forming the phrase का नाही.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is romanized as kā. The /k/ sound is like the [c] in the English word scan.
Did you know?
- The use of का नाही (why not) can sometimes function as a way to provide enthusiastic agreement, similar to saying 'Of course!' in English.
- If you are asking 'Why?' in an aggressive or confrontational manner, a speaker might elongate the vowel sound to sound more like काआ?, changing the social tone entirely.
- In Marathi, the word का can also be used as a suffix to turn a simple statement into a rhetorical question, often used to express disbelief rather than a genuine request for information.
Examples in context
- तू रडत का आहेस?Why are you crying?This sentence shows how to use का.Tatoeba #2087892 by sabretou, translation #36405 by CK
- टॉम घरी का आहे?Why is Tom home?Tatoeba #2678357 by sabretou, translation #1886461 by CK
- ते का हसत आहेत?Why are they laughing?Tatoeba #2788265 by sabretou, translation #2646173 by CK
- 1218 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rahul and Priya are talking in a living room.
- राहुल Rahulतू आज उशिरा का आलीस?tū āja uśirā kā ālīs?Why did you come late today?
- प्रिया Priyaबसमध्ये खूप गर्दी होती.basamadhyē khuḷa gardī hōtī.It was very crowded in the bus.
- राहुल Rahulतुला त्रास का झाला?tulā trāsa kā jhālā?Why did you have trouble?
- प्रिया Priyaकाही नाही, फक्त गर्दी होती.kāhī nāhī, phakta gardī hōtī.It's nothing, it was just crowded.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “why” translations and entries का, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
