Explanation at your level:
Hello! どうして (dōshite) is a word that helps you ask 'Why?'. It's like when you see something interesting and want to know the reason. For example, you can ask, どうして？ (Dōshite? - Why?). It's a simple way to ask for an explanation. You can use it when you want to understand something better. It's a very useful word for beginners!
どうして (dōshite) is an adverb that means 'why' or 'for what reason'. You use it to ask about the cause of something. For instance, if someone is late, you can ask, どうして遅れたの？ (Dōshite okureta no? - Why were you late?). It's a common way to inquire about events or actions. You'll often hear it in everyday conversations when people are curious about the background of a situation.
どうして (dōshite) is a fundamental interrogative adverb used to seek the reason or motive behind something. It's a versatile word suitable for most conversational contexts. You can use it to ask about actions, events, or feelings. For example, どうしてそんなことを言ったのですか？ (Dōshite sonna koto o itta no desu ka? - Why did you say such a thing?). Understanding どうして is key to engaging in deeper conversations and understanding the 'why' behind people's statements and actions.
As an interrogative adverb, どうして (dōshite) serves to probe the underlying causes or justifications for a particular situation or action. While なぜ (naze) can sometimes be perceived as more formal, どうして is widely used across various registers, from casual chats to more structured discussions. It allows for a direct inquiry into the rationale behind something. Consider the nuance: どうして彼はそんなに怒っているのだろう？ (Dōshite kare wa sonna ni okotte iru no darō? - I wonder why he is so angry?). It prompts a deeper exploration of motives.
どうして (dōshite) functions as a primary interrogative adverb for eliciting causal explanations. Its usage spans a broad spectrum of communicative situations, offering a direct yet often nuanced way to question the 'why'. While it can be used straightforwardly, the context and intonation can imply varying degrees of curiosity, surprise, or even mild challenge. For instance, どうしてこのような事態を招いたのか、その経緯を説明してください。 (Dōshite kono yō na jitai o maneta no ka, sono keii o setsumei shite kudasai. - Please explain the circumstances as to why such a situation arose.) This demonstrates its use in seeking detailed, often critical, explanations.
The interrogative adverb どうして (dōshite) represents a core mechanism for interrogating causality in Japanese. Its etymological roots, stemming from 'how' and 'to do', highlight a historical connection between process and reason. While often interchangeable with なぜ (naze), どうして can sometimes carry a slightly more personal or immediate tone, depending on context. Advanced learners will appreciate its role in constructing complex inquiries, such as in rhetorical questions or philosophical ponderings about existence and consequence. Its mastery involves understanding its subtle pragmatic functions beyond simple information-seeking.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- <strong>どうして</strong> (dōshite) is a Japanese adverb meaning 'Why?'.
- It's used to ask for the reason or cause of something.
- Common in spoken Japanese, suitable for most situations.
- Often interchangeable with 'なぜ' (naze), but 'なぜ' can be more formal.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese adverb どうして (dōshite). You'll hear this one a lot, and it's your go-to for asking 'Why?' or 'For what reason?'. It’s perfect when you're curious about the cause behind something, whether it's a person's actions, an event, or even a feeling. Think of it as your key to unlocking the 'why' in countless situations!
When you use どうして, you're looking for an explanation. It's a direct way to ask about the underlying motive or circumstances that led to a particular outcome. It can be used in both everyday conversations and slightly more formal settings, making it incredibly versatile. So, if you're ever wondering 'How did that happen?' or 'What's the reason for this?', どうして is your word!
The word どうして (dōshite) has a fascinating origin that sheds light on its meaning. It's formed from the combination of どう (dō), meaning 'how' or 'in what way', and して (shite), the conjunctive form of the verb する (suru), meaning 'to do'. So, literally, it's like asking 'how is it done?' or 'in what way is it done?', which naturally evolved into asking 'why?' or 'for what reason?'
This evolution makes sense because often, understanding *how* something happened is closely tied to understanding *why* it happened. The expression gained popularity as a way to inquire about the cause or manner of an action. Historically, similar interrogative structures existed in Japanese, but どうして became a standard and widely accepted way to express this specific type of inquiry. It's a great example of how language can evolve to express nuanced questions about causality.
どうして (dōshite) is your primary tool for asking 'why' in Japanese. You can place it at the beginning of a sentence or before the verb you're questioning. For example, どうして遅刻したの？ (Dōshite chikoku shita no? - Why were you late?). It's generally neutral in formality, making it suitable for most everyday conversations with friends, family, and even colleagues in less formal settings.
While どうして is very common, you might also encounter なぜ (naze), which is often considered slightly more formal or sometimes used in writing. However, どうして is perfectly acceptable in most situations where you need to ask for a reason. Common collocations include pairing it with verbs like 言う (iu - to say), 知る (shiru - to know), 来る (kuru - to come), or 行く (iku - to go) when inquiring about the reason for someone's words, knowledge, or movement.
While どうして (dōshite) itself isn't typically part of many fixed idioms, the concept of asking 'why' is embedded in various expressions. Here are a few related ideas:
- 理由を問う (riyū o tou): This literally means 'to ask the reason'. While not an idiom using どうして directly, it captures the essence of the inquiry. Example: 彼はその決定の理由を問うた (Kare wa sono ketsumatsu no riyū o touta - He asked for the reason for that decision).
- 原因不明 (gen'in fumei): This means 'cause unknown'. It's used when the reason or cause cannot be identified. Example: その事故の原因は不明だ (Sono jiko no gen'in wa fumei da - The cause of that accident is unknown).
- 不可解な (fukakai na): This adjective means 'incomprehensible' or 'mysterious', often used when someone asks 'why?' repeatedly due to a lack of understanding. Example: 彼の行動は不可解だった (Kare no kōdō wa fukakai datta - His actions were incomprehensible).
- どうしてこうなった？ (Dōshite kō natta?): This is a common exclamation, meaning 'How did it come to this?' or 'Why did it turn out this way?'. It expresses surprise or dismay at a situation. Example: 財布をなくした！どうしてこうなった？(Saifu o nakushita! Dōshite kō natta? - I lost my wallet! How did this happen?)
どうして (dōshite) is an adverb, meaning it modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. It typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause, or before the element it modifies. It doesn't change form based on number or gender. When asking a question, it's usually followed by a question particle like か (ka) or the informal の (no).
Pronunciation: The word is pronounced 'doh-shee-teh'. The 'ō' is a long 'o' sound, similar to the 'o' in 'go', but held slightly longer. The 'sh' sound is like the English 'sh' in 'she'. The 'i' is like the 'ee' in 'see', and the 'te' is like the 'te' in 'ten'. There are no specific plural forms or articles associated with どうして as it's an adverb.
IPA (approximate): UK: /ˌdəʊʃˈteɪ/, US: /ˌdoʊʃˈteɪ/. Rhyming words are rare for adverbs like this, but words ending in '-shite' might share a similar cadence. Stress typically falls on the first syllable, 'dō'.
Fun Fact
The evolution from 'how' to 'why' is common in many languages, showing how understanding the process is linked to understanding the cause.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'DOH-sh'-tay', with the stress on the first syllable and a slightly longer 'o' sound.
Similar to UK, 'DOH-sh'-tay', with the emphasis on the initial syllable.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'ō' as a short 'o'.
- Not stressing the first syllable ('dō').
- Pronouncing 'shite' too quickly, losing the distinct syllables.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize, understanding context is key.
Straightforward to use in basic sentences.
Very common in speech.
Frequently heard.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanzado
Grammar to Know
Question Particles (か, の)
どうしてですか？ vs どうしてなの？
Conjunctive Form (て-form)
The origin relates to して (suru's te-form).
Adverb Usage
How adverbs modify sentences.
Examples by Level
どうして？
Why?
Used alone to ask 'Why?'
どうして泣いているの？
Why crying are you?
'の (no)' makes the question informal.
どうしてこれ？
Why this?
Asking for the reason for a specific item.
どうして行かない？
Why go not?
Asking why someone isn't going.
どうして？
Why?
A simple, direct question.
どうして？
Why?
Expressing confusion or seeking explanation.
どうして？
Why?
Seeking understanding.
どうして？
Why?
Expressing curiosity.
どうしてそんなに急いでいるの？
Why so much hurry are you?
Asking about someone's haste.
どうしてこの本は面白い？
Why this book interesting?
Asking for the reason something is good.
どうして彼は来なかった？
Why he come not?
Inquiring about someone's absence.
どうして窓が開いている？
Why window open is?
Asking about an unusual state.
どうしてこの料理は美味しい？
Why this dish delicious?
Asking for the reason behind deliciousness.
どうしてそんなに疲れている？
Why so tired are you?
Asking about someone's condition.
どうしてこの映画は人気がある？
Why this movie popular is?
Asking about popularity.
どうして君はそんなに悲しい顔をしている？
Why you so sad face are making?
Asking about someone's emotional state.
どうしてそんなに心配しているのですか？
Why so much worried are you (polite)?
'のですか (no desu ka)' adds politeness and emphasis.
どうして彼は会議を欠席したのか、理由がわからない。
Why he meeting missed, reason not understand.
Used in a subordinate clause to state lack of understanding.
どうしてこのプロジェクトは遅れているのですか？
Why this project delayed is (polite)?
Asking for a reason in a professional context.
どうして君はいつもそんなにポジティブでいられるんだい？
Why you always so positive can stay?
Asking about a consistent trait.
どうして、こんなに早く駅に着いたの？
Why, this much early station arrived?
Expressing mild surprise at punctuality.
どうして君は日本語を勉強しようと思ったの？
Why you Japanese study decided to?
Asking about the motivation for a decision.
どうしてこの件について、もっと詳しく教えてくれないのですか？
Why this matter about, more details tell not (polite)?
Requesting more information politely.
どうして君はそんなに興奮しているの？何かいいことでもあった？
Why you so excited are? Something good happened?
Asking about excitement and its cause.
どうして彼は、あれほどまでに反対していた計画に賛成したのだろうか。
Why he, that much opposed plan agreed (wonder)?
Expressing wonder or speculation about a change of heart.
どうしてこの地域では、毎年このような異常気象が発生するのか、専門家は原因を究明している。
Why this region in, every year such abnormal weather occurs, experts cause investigating.
Used in a context of investigation or analysis.
どうして君は、その重要な情報を私に伝えてくれなかったのか、説明してほしい。
Why you, that important information me told not, explain want.
Demanding an explanation for a lack of communication.
どうして、あんなに才能のある人が、成功の道を歩まなかったのか、不思議でならない。
Why, that talented person, success path walked not, mysterious cannot stop feeling.
Expressing a strong sense of mystery or regret.
どうして君は、常に完璧を求めるあまり、自分自身を追い詰めてしまうのだろうか。
Why you, always perfection seek too much, yourself push to the limit will?
Questioning self-destructive tendencies.
どうしてこの歴史的建造物は、今日までその姿を留めているのか、その保存技術には目を見張るものがある。
Why this historical building, until today its form kept, its preservation techniques amazing are.
Highlighting remarkable aspects related to the 'why'.
どうして君は、かつて熱中していた趣味から、すっかり興味を失ってしまったんだ？
Why you, once passionate hobby from, completely interest lost?
Inquiring about a significant change in interest.
どうして、この状況下で、最善の策はこれ以上待つことだと判断されたのか、その根拠を伺いたい。
Why, this situation under, best course of action this more wait is judged, its basis want to ask.
Requesting the rationale behind a strategic decision.
どうして我々は、過去の過ちから学ぶことを怠ってしまうのだろうか。その心理的メカニズムを解明する必要がある。
Why we, past mistakes from learn neglect do? Its psychological mechanism elucidate need is.
Used in a philosophical or psychological inquiry.
どうしてこの社会システムは、根本的な問題を抱えながらも、存続し続けているのか、その構造的要因を分析しなければならない。
Why this social system, fundamental problems has even though, continue to exist, its structural factors analyze must.
Analyzing complex societal structures.
どうして君は、芸術の本質を追求するあまり、現実社会との乖離を深めてしまったのか、その葛藤について語ってほしい。
Why you, art's essence pursue too much, reality society with divergence deepened, its conflict about want you to speak.
Exploring the conflict between ideals and reality.
どうして、この文学作品は、発表当時、社会に多大な論争を巻き起こしたのか、その文脈を理解することが重要だ。
Why, this literary work, at time of publication, society great controversy stirred, its context understand is important.
Analyzing the impact and context of cultural works.
どうして君は、自己実現という名の探求において、しばしば自己破壊的な衝動に駆られてしまうのか、その深層心理を探る。
Why you, self-realization called pursuit in, often self-destructive impulses driven, its deep psychology explore.
Delving into complex psychological motivations.
どうしてこの技術革新は、当初の期待とは裏腹に、予期せぬ倫理的問題を数多く露呈することになったのか、その因果関係を考察する。
Why this technological innovation, initial expectations contrary to, unexpected ethical problems many revealed, its causal relationship consider.
Examining the unintended consequences of innovation.
どうして君は、人生における幸福の定義について、これほどまでに懐疑的な見解を持つに至ったのか、その経験的背景を伺いたい。
Why you, life in happiness's definition about, this much skeptical view hold came to, its experiential background want to ask.
Exploring deeply held philosophical views.
どうして、この芸術運動は、既成概念を打ち破ることで、後の世代に多大な影響を与えることができたのか、その革新性を評価する。
Why, this art movement, established concepts break through by, later generations great influence give could, its innovativeness evaluate.
Assessing the impact and innovation of artistic movements.
どうして我々の認識は、しばしば主観的なバイアスによって歪められ、客観的事実から乖離してしまうのか、その認知科学的考察は尽きない。
Why our perception, often subjective biases by distorted, objective facts from deviate, its cognitive science consideration endless is.
Discussing complex cognitive processes and their implications.
どうしてこの文明は、繁栄の極致にあったにもかかわらず、突如として衰退の一途を辿ることになったのか、考古学的な証拠は未だ決定的な答えを提示していない。
Why this civilization, prosperity's peak at was despite, suddenly decline's path trace did, archaeological evidence still definitive answer present not.
Exploring historical mysteries and the limits of evidence.
どうして君は、自己同一性の探求において、しばしば実存的な不安に苛まれるのか、その根源的な問いに対する答えは、哲学の深淵に横たわっている。
Why you, self-identity's pursuit in, often existential anxiety by tormented, its fundamental question towards answer, philosophy's abyss lies.
Addressing profound existential and philosophical questions.
どうして、この芸術様式は、時代を超えて普遍的な感動を呼び起こす力を持つのか、その美学的な特質と文化的受容の相互作用を分析する。
Why, this art style, time beyond universal emotion evoke power has, its aesthetic qualities and cultural reception's interaction analyze.
Analyzing the enduring power and reception of art.
どうして君は、人間存在の不条理に直面しながらも、なお創造的な営みを続けることができるのか、その逆説的な生命力について考察したい。
Why you, human existence's absurdity face while, still creative activities continue can, its paradoxical life force about want to consider.
Examining the resilience of the human spirit.
どうしてこの理論物理学のパラダイムシフトは、我々の宇宙観に不可逆的な変容をもたらしたのか、その科学史的意義を評価する。
Why this theoretical physics' paradigm shift, our universe view irreversible transformation brought, its scientific historical significance evaluate.
Assessing the impact of scientific revolutions.
どうして君は、自己欺瞞の巧妙な網を張り巡らせながら、なお自己認識の深化を求めるのか、その自己言及的なジレンマを解き明かす。
Why you, self-deception's ingenious net weave, still self-awareness's deepening seek, its self-referential dilemma unravel.
Deconstructing complex psychological defense mechanisms.
どうして、この言語現象は、文化の伝達と変容において、かくも中心的かつ不可欠な役割を果たし続けているのか、その言語学的・社会学的含意を探求する。
Why, this linguistic phenomenon, culture's transmission and transformation in, so central and indispensable role play continue, its linguistic and sociological implications explore.
Investigating the fundamental role of language in culture.
Colocaciones comunes
Idioms & Expressions
"どうしてこうなった？"
How did it come to this? / Why did it turn out this way?
約束の時間に間に合わなかった。どうしてこうなった！(Yakusoku no jikan ni maniawanakatta. Dōshite kō natta! - I couldn't make it in time for the appointment. How did it come to this!)
casual/exclamatory"どうして〜か（と）思う"
To wonder why...
彼が突然辞めた理由を、どうしてか（と）思っている。(Kare ga totsuzen yameta riyū o, dōshite ka (to) omotte iru. - I'm wondering why he suddenly quit.)
neutral"どうして〜か分からない"
I don't know why...
どうして彼女が怒っているのか分からない。(Dōshite kanojo ga okotte iru no ka wakaranai. - I don't know why she is angry.)
neutral"どうして〜か説明する"
To explain why...
先生は、どうしてそうなるのかを生徒に説明した。(Sensei wa, dōshite sō naru no ka o seito ni setsumei shita. - The teacher explained to the students why it becomes so.)
neutral"どうして〜か尋ねる"
To ask why...
彼は、どうして私がここにいるのか尋ねた。(Kare wa, dōshite watashi ga koko ni iru no ka tazineta. - He asked why I was here.)
neutral"どうして〜か気になる"
To be curious about why...
どうして彼がそんなに幸せそうなのか気になる。(Dōshite kare ga sonna ni shiawasesō na no ka ki ni naru. - I'm curious about why he looks so happy.)
neutralEasily Confused
Both start with 'どう' and are interrogative adverbs.
'どうして' asks for the REASON (Why?). 'どうやって' asks for the METHOD (How?).
どうして遅れたの？ (Why were you late?) vs どうやってそこに行ったの？ (How did you get there?)
It's a direct synonym for 'why'.
'なぜ' is generally considered more formal than 'どうして', especially in writing. 'どうして' is more common in everyday speech.
なぜ彼は来なかったのですか？ (Formal) vs どうして来なかったの？ (Casual)
Both are used to inquire about purpose/reason.
'なんのために' specifically asks about the PURPOSE or GOAL ('For what purpose?'). 'どうして' asks more broadly about the REASON or CAUSE.
なんのために勉強するの？ (For what purpose do you study?) vs どうして勉強するの？ (Why do you study? - could be reason or purpose)
It's the first part of 'どうして'.
'どう' means 'how' or 'in what way' and is often used in questions about state or condition (e.g., '元気？' - How are you? -> '元気どう？'). 'どうして' specifically means 'why'.
調子はどう？ (How's your condition?) vs どうしてそんな顔をしているの？ (Why are you making that face?)
Sentence Patterns
どうして + [Subject] + [Verb/Adjective] + の/のですか/か？
どうして君はそんなに悲しいの？ (Dōshite kimi wa sonna ni kanashī no? - Why are you so sad?)
どうして + [Clause] + か + 分からない/知りたい/疑問だ
どうして彼が来なかったのか分からない。(Dōshite kare ga konakatta no ka wakaranai. - I don't know why he didn't come.)
どうして + [Situation] + に + なった + のだろう？
どうしてこんなことになったのだろう？ (Dōshite konna koto ni nattan darō? - I wonder why it became like this?)
どうして + [Action] + た + のですか？
どうしてそれを買ったのですか？ (Dōshite sore o katta no desu ka? - Why did you buy that?)
どうして + [Noun/Pronoun] + は + [Description] + なのですか？
どうしてこの本はそんなに人気があるのですか？ (Dōshite kono hon wa sonna ni ninki ga aru no desu ka? - Why is this book so popular?)
Familia de palabras
Relacionado
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Errores comunes
どうして specifically asks for a reason. For example, 'What is this?' is 'これは何ですか？' (Kore wa nan desu ka?), not 'これはどうしてですか？'.
どうして asks for the reason ('why did you go?'), while どうやって asks for the method ('how did you go?').
While どうして is versatile, なぜ is often preferred in academic papers or official reports for a more formal tone.
Saying 'どうして来るの？' (Dōshite kuru no?) to a superior would be impolite. Use 'どうして来ないのですか？' (Dōshite konai no desu ka?).
'Why did you buy this?' (reason) is 'どうしてこれを買ったの？' (Dōshite kore o katta no?). 'For what purpose did you buy this?' is 'なんのためにこれを買ったの？' (Nan no tame ni kore o katta no?).
Tips
The Detective Method
Imagine you're a detective. Whenever you see something puzzling, ask yourself 'どうして？' (Why?). This reinforces its use for seeking reasons.
When to Use どうして vs なぜ
In spoken Japanese, 'どうして' is generally safe and common. Save 'なぜ' for more formal writing or very formal speeches.
Subtlety in Asking Why
While direct, be mindful of tone. Sometimes, implying the question or using softer phrasing is more culturally appropriate than a blunt 'どうして?'.
Question Endings
Remember to pair 'どうして' with appropriate question endings: 'の？' (informal), 'のですか？' (polite), or 'か？' (neutral/written).
Long 'O' Sound
Practice the long 'ō' sound in 'どう (dō)' – it's like saying 'go' but holding the 'o' slightly longer. This distinguishes it from a short 'o'.
Don't Confuse with 'How'
Always remember: 'どうして' = Why? (Reason). 'どうやって' = How? (Method).
Evolution of Meaning
The shift from 'how' to 'why' shows how language connects process and cause. It's like asking 'How did this happen?' naturally leads to 'Why did this happen?'
React to Everything
When watching Japanese dramas or listening to music, pause and try to ask 'どうして?' about character actions or plot points. It’s active learning!
Pair with Explanations
When you learn 'どうして', immediately learn common ways to *answer* it, like using 〜からです (kara desu - because) or 〜ので (node - because).
Adverb Placement
As an adverb, 'どうして' usually comes at the beginning of the sentence or clause it modifies, setting up the question.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'DOH!' (like 'Oh no!') you exclaim when something unexpected happens, and you ask 'Why?'. So, 'DOH-shite?'
Visual Association
Imagine a detective scratching their head, saying 'Dōshite?' while looking at clues.
Word Web
Desafío
Try asking 'Why?' five times today using 'どうして' in different situations (even to yourself!).
Origen de la palabra
Japanese
Original meaning: Literally 'how is it done?' or 'in what way is it done?'
Contexto cultural
Asking 'why' can sometimes be perceived as confrontational depending on tone and context. In Japanese culture, indirectness is often valued, so while 'どうして' is common, be mindful of the situation.
In English, 'why' is a fundamental question used across all social strata. Similarly, 'どうして' is widely used in Japan for everyday inquiries.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Everyday conversations (friends, family)
- どうして？ (Why?)
- どうしてそんなことしたの？ (Why did you do that?)
- どうして来なかったの？ (Why didn't you come?)
Asking for clarification
- どうしてそう思うの？ (Why do you think so?)
- どうしてですか？ (Why is that?)
- どうしてそうなるのか教えてください。(Please tell me why it becomes like that.)
Expressing surprise or confusion
- え、どうして？ (Eh, why?)
- どうしてこうなった？ (How did it come to this?)
- どうしてかな？ (I wonder why?)
More formal inquiries (e.g., asking a teacher or senior)
- どうして遅刻したのですか？ (Why were you late?)
- どうしてこのようになっているのですか？ (Why has it become like this?)
- どうして〜か、理由を伺ってもよろしいですか？ (May I ask the reason why...?)
Conversation Starters
"「昨日、面白い映画を見たんだ。どうしてあの映画がそんなに人気なのか、理由がわかる？」"
"「最近、新しい趣味を始めたんだ。どうしてこの趣味を選んだのか、話してもいい？」"
"「今日のニュース、見た？どうしてあんなことが起こったのか、ちょっと信じられないよ。」"
"「君の意見を聞きたいんだけど、どうしてそう考えるようになったの？」"
"「この問題、解決策が見つからなくて困ってるんだ。どうしてうまくいかないんだろう？」"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time someone asked you 'どうして?' and how you responded.
Reflect on a decision you made. Write about 'どうして' you made that choice.
Think about a current event. Write down questions starting with 'どうして'.
Describe a situation where you were confused and kept asking yourself 'どうして?'.
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntasThey both mean 'why'. 'なぜ' is often considered slightly more formal and is common in writing, while 'どうして' is very common in spoken language and can be used in most situations.
No, 'どうして' is strictly for asking 'why' (the reason). To ask 'what', you use '何 (nani)'.
Not inherently. Like asking 'why' in English, the politeness depends on the context, tone of voice, and who you are speaking to. Using polite endings like 'のですか (no desu ka)' can make it more polite.
You provide the reason or explanation. For example, if asked 'どうして遅刻したの？' (Why were you late?), you could answer '電車が遅れたからです。' (Densha ga okureta kara desu. - Because the train was delayed.)
Yes. For example, 'どうして来ないの？' (Dōshite konai no? - Why aren't you coming?).
'なんで (nande)' is a more informal, spoken version of 'どうして'. You'd use it with friends or family, but probably not in a formal business meeting.
It comes from 'どう (dō)' meaning 'how' or 'in what way' and 'して (shite)' meaning 'to do'. So, it evolved from asking 'how is it done?' to asking 'why is it done?'
While it primarily asks for the reason, it can sometimes overlap with purpose. However, for a clearer question about purpose, 'なんのために (nan no tame ni)' is more specific.
Ponte a prueba
The cat is sleeping. ___?
We use 'どうして' to ask 'Why?' when curious about something.
Which word means 'Why?'
'どうして' is the Japanese word for 'Why?' used to ask for a reason.
'どうして' can be used to ask about the reason for someone's actions.
Yes, 'どうして' is used to inquire about the cause or reason behind actions, events, or situations.
Word
Significado
'どうして' covers various ways of asking about the reason.
The correct sentence is 'どうして遅刻したの？' (Dōshite chikoku shita no? - Why were you late?).
彼は___そんなに怒っているのですか？
We use 'どうして' to ask 'Why is he so angry?'
Which phrase is NOT a common way to ask 'why'?
'どうやって' means 'how' (method), not 'why'.
彼女が突然会社を辞めた理由について、___。
This sentence structure 'reason about... want to know why' fits best with 'どうしてか知りたい (dōshite ka shiritai - I want to know why)'.
You can use 'どうして' to say 'Thank you'.
'どうして' means 'Why?'. 'Thank you' is 'ありがとう (arigatō)'.
君は___そんなに嬉しいの？
Asking 'Why are you so happy?' uses 'どうして'.
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Summary
Master 'どうして' to unlock the 'why' in Japanese conversations and understand the reasons behind actions and events.
- <strong>どうして</strong> (dōshite) is a Japanese adverb meaning 'Why?'.
- It's used to ask for the reason or cause of something.
- Common in spoken Japanese, suitable for most situations.
- Often interchangeable with 'なぜ' (naze), but 'なぜ' can be more formal.
The Detective Method
Imagine you're a detective. Whenever you see something puzzling, ask yourself 'どうして？' (Why?). This reinforces its use for seeking reasons.
When to Use どうして vs なぜ
In spoken Japanese, 'どうして' is generally safe and common. Save 'なぜ' for more formal writing or very formal speeches.
Subtlety in Asking Why
While direct, be mindful of tone. Sometimes, implying the question or using softer phrasing is more culturally appropriate than a blunt 'どうして?'.
Question Endings
Remember to pair 'どうして' with appropriate question endings: 'の？' (informal), 'のですか？' (polite), or 'か？' (neutral/written).
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Esta palabra en otros idiomas
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Más palabras de general
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
