why
word
/ˈhwaɪ/, /ˈwaɪ/
HWY, WY
/wˈaɪ/
WY
Definition
Used to ask for a reason or explanation for something.
Usage & Nuances
Common question word, often comes at the beginning of a question. Can introduce indirect questions or explanations. Not used to ask about people or things, but reasons or causes.
Spanish: por quéPortuguese (BR): por quePortuguese (PT): por queChinese (Simplified): 为什么Chinese (Traditional): 為什麼Hindi: क्योंArabic: لماذاBengali: কেনRussian: почемуJapanese: なぜ - どうしてVietnamese: tại saoKorean: 왜Turkish: nedenUrdu: کیوںIndonesian: kenapa - mengapa
Example Sentences
Why would anyone do that?
natural
Do you know why she didn’t come yesterday?
natural
Why is the sky blue?
basic
I don’t know why he left.
basic
Why bother if you’re not going to try?
natural
Why do you study English?
basic