Japanese dictionary
How to say "why" in Japanese
なぜなぜ · naze
"Why" in Japanese is なぜ (naze) or the softer どうして (dōshite). In casual speech, なんで (nande) is common.
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Ways to say "why" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| なぜなぜ · naze | Why (neutral). |
| どうしてどうして · dōshite | Why (softer). |
| なんでなんで · nande | Why (casual). |
How to use it
"Because" is 〜から (kara) or 〜ので (node).
Asking なんで to someone senior can sound like you're challenging them. Use どうして or ask about the reason: 理由を伺ってもいいですか.
Example sentences
- どうして日本語を勉強していますか。Dōshite Nihongo o benkyō shite imasu ka.Why are you studying Japanese?
- なぜ遅れたのですか。Naze okureta no desu ka.Why were you late?
- なんで来なかったの？Nande konakatta no?Why didn't you come?
- 仕事で必要なので、日本語を勉強しています。Shigoto de hitsuyō na node, Nihongo o benkyō shite imasu.I'm studying Japanese because I need it for work.
- 理由を教えていただけますか。Riyū o oshiete itadakemasu ka.Could you tell me the reason?
- どうしてこうなったのでしょうか。Dōshite kō natta no deshō ka.I wonder why this happened.
Questions
What is the difference between なぜ, どうして and なんで?
なぜ (naze) is neutral and common in writing. どうして (dōshite) is softer in speech. なんで (nande) is casual.
How do you say "because" in Japanese?
Use から (kara) or ので (node) after the reason: 忙しいので行けません (I can't go because I'm busy).
Using Japanese at work?
See Executive JapaneseExecutive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.