ولې
The English word "why" is translated into Pashto as ولې.
ولې is an interrogative adverb used to ask for the reason.
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
Did you know?
- While ولې asks for a reason, Pashto speakers may use the word څه meaning 'what' in a specific syntactic structure to imply 'why' in a way that sounds more curious and less accusatory.
- Instead of using a single word, speakers sometimes use a phrase that literally translates to 'for what purpose' to sound more respectful when questioning an elder.
- In some regional dialects, the way you stress the syllables in ولې can transform the question from a neutral inquiry into a sarcastic or mocking remark.
Examples in context
- ولې ځلیږې؟wale zali-ge?Why are you afraid?
- هغه ولې راځي؟hagha wale ra-zi?Why is he coming?
Example conversation
Zalmay and Maryam are discussing a missed appointment.
- زلمای Zalmayمریم، تاسو ولې ناوړه راغلاست؟Maryam, tasoo walay nawra raghalast?Maryam, why did you arrive late?
- مریم Maryamځکه چې ترافیک ډېر وو.Zaka che traffic der wo.Because there was a lot of traffic.
- زلمای Zalmayتاسو ولې مې ته زنګ نه کړ؟Tasoo walay me ta zang na kr?Why didn't you call me?
- مریم Maryamزما بیټرۍ ختمه وه.Zma battery khatama wa.My battery was dead.
