Pourquoi Meaning in English
word
pʊrˈkwɑː
pur-KWAH
pʊəˈkwɑː
puh-KWAH
Definition
'Pourquoi' is a French word meaning 'why'—it is used to ask for reasons or explanations for something.
Usage & Nuances
'Pourquoi' is always used for asking questions about reasons, similar to 'why' in English. It is formal, neutral, and polite—used in all types of French writing and conversation. Do not confuse with 'parce que' (because, for giving reasons).
Spanish: por quéPortuguese (BR): por quePortuguese (PT): porquê - porqueChinese (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
Can you tell me pourquoi you are upset?
basic
She asked pourquoi the door was locked.
basic
Do you know pourquoi he left early?
basic
I have no idea pourquoi this keeps happening.
natural
Sometimes I wonder pourquoi things are so complicated.
natural
If you don't ask pourquoi, you'll never know the answer.
natural