Why don't you Meaning in English
expression
ˈhwaɪ/, /ˈwaɪ/ /ˈdoʊn/, /ˈdoʊnt/ /ˈju
WHY-dohnt-yo͞o
wˈaɪ/ /dəʊnt/ /jˈuː
WHY-dohnt-yoo
Definition
Used to make a suggestion or give advice to someone in a friendly way. It often means you are encouraging the other person to try something or consider an idea.
Usage & Nuances
Very common in spoken, informal English. Often starts a suggestion ('Why don't you try...?'). Tone should be friendly; if pronounced sharply, it can sound critical. Not used for commands or strong orders.
Spanish: ¿por qué no (tú) - ¿por qué no te (verbo) - ¿por qué no (haces algo)Portuguese (BR): por que você não - por que não (você)Portuguese (PT): porque é que não (tu/você) - porque não (tu/você)Chinese (Simplified): 你为什么不 (nǐ wèishéme bù) - 你怎么不 (nǐ zěnme bù)Chinese (Traditional): 你為什麼不 (nǐ wèishéme bù) - 你怎麼不 (nǐ zěnme bù)Hindi: तुम क्यों नहीं (tum kyon nahī̃) - क्यों न तुम (kyon na tum)Arabic: لماذا لا (أنت)Bengali: তুমি কেন নাRussian: почему бы тебе неJapanese: 〜したらどうですかVietnamese: sao bạn không - bạn thử điKorean: 왜 ~하지 않아Turkish: neden ... yapmıyorsunUrdu: کیوں نہ آپIndonesian: kenapa kamu tidak - mengapa kamu tidak
Example Sentences
Why don't you come with us to the park?
basic
Why don't you try this new restaurant?
basic
Why don't you ask for help if you need it?
basic
Hey, why don't you take a break? You've been working for hours.
natural
Why don't you give him a call and see what he says?
natural
I'm bored. Why don't you suggest something fun to do?
natural