perché no
/perˌke‿nˈnɔ/
The Italian phrase for "why not" is perché no.
perché no can be used in two ways: to ask for a reason for a negative (for example, asking why something is not the case) or to suggest an action (for example, suggesting that someone do something).
Meaning: why is that not true (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of perché (why/because) and no (no/not).
How do you pronounce it?
/perˌke‿nˈnɔ/
Did you know?
- In Italy, a shrug combined with perché no can signal a playful or flirtatious challenge rather than a genuine question.
- The word perché is a combination of the word for 'for' and the word for 'which', a structure that is mirrored in many other Romance languages.
- In Italian, the word perché can be placed at the end of a sentence to express a sense of disbelief or indignation.
Examples in context
- È sicuro? Perché no?Are you sure? Why not?This sentence shows how to use perché no to ask for a reason.Tatoeba #4108132 by Guybrush88, translation #3493745 by Hybrid
- Perché non ceni con noi?Why not have dinner with us?This sentence shows how to use perché no to suggest an action.Tatoeba #3463316 by Guybrush88, translation #247326 by CK
- Perché non farlo domani?Why not do that tomorrow?Tatoeba #8011210 by Guybrush88, translation #7113350 by CM
- Perché no? Mi piacerebbe vedere quel nuovo film.Why not? I'd love to watch that new movie.
- 100 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are discussing whether a plan is possible.
- MatteoNon possiamo andare al parco oggi.We can't go to the park today.
- SofiaPerché no? È una bella giornata.Why not? It is a beautiful day.
- MatteoIl parco è chiuso per lavori.The park is closed for construction.
- SofiaAh, capisco. Peccato!Ah, I see. That's a shame!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “why not” translations and entries perché no, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries no, perché, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
