How to Say ‘Why’ in Japanese
どうして
dou shi te
[doh shee teh]
💬 Usage Tip: [どうして] means “why.” It can feel a bit more conversational than some alternatives.
🇯🇵 In Japan: You may also hear [なぜ] in writing or formal speech. Same meaning, slightly different flavor.
Phrase Breakdown
どう
dou
[doh]
how; in what way; why (part of どうして)
As part of どうして, it helps form a question meaning 'why' or 'how come.'
どうして泣いているのですか。
Why are you crying?
し
shi
[shee]
do; make (part of して)
This syllable is part of して, which combines in どうして to form 'why.'
どうして来ないのですか。
Why are you not coming?
て
te
[teh]
and; -ing form ending; part of して
Completes して. In どうして, the full expression means 'why' or 'how come.'
どうしてそれを知っていますか。
Why do you know that?
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