Use 'doushite' as your go-to word for asking 'why' in daily Japanese.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to ask for reasons or causes.
- Common in daily conversation for asking 'why'.
- More polite than 'nande' but less formal than 'naze'.
概要
「どうして」は、物事の理由や原因を問う際に最も一般的に用いられる副詞です。日常会話から少し丁寧な場面まで幅広く使えます。2) 使用パターン: 文頭に置かれることが多く、「どうして～ですか」「どうして～の？」という形で使われます。また、文末に「～の」を付けることで、より口語的で親しみやすい響きになります。3) 一般的な文脈: 友人との会話で「どうして遅れたの？」と聞いたり、驚いた時に「どうしてそんなことを言うの？」と感情を込めて使ったりします。4) 類語との比較: 「なぜ」は少し硬い響きがあり、書き言葉や論理的な説明を求める時に適しています。「なんで」は「どうして」よりもさらにカジュアルで、親しい間柄でのみ使用されます。「どうして」はその中間に位置する、非常に使い勝手の良い言葉です。
Examples
どうして学校を休んだのですか？
everydayWhy were you absent from school?
どうして彼がそんなことを言ったのか、わかりません。
formalI don't know why he said such a thing.
どうして泣いてるの？
informalWhy are you crying?
どうしてこの現象が起きるのかを調査する。
academicInvestigate why this phenomenon occurs.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
どうしてものこと
Something that cannot be helped
どうしていいかわからない
I don't know what to do
どうしてそんなに急ぐの？
Why are you in such a hurry?
Often Confused With
Nande is much more casual and colloquial than doushite. It should be avoided in polite or formal settings.
Naze is more formal and objective. It is often used in written reports or serious inquiries.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Doushite is generally neutral and safe for daily use. It is slightly more polite than 'nande' but less formal than 'naze'. When asking someone, pair it with 'desu ka' or 'no desu ka' to maintain a polite tone.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use 'doushite' when they actually mean 'how' (douyatte). Remember that 'doushite' is strictly for reasons, not methods. Also, avoid using it to interrogate someone, as it can sound accusatory.
Tips
Use Doushite for daily questions
Doushite is the safest choice for asking 'why' in almost any casual to semi-formal conversation. It sounds natural and polite enough for most daily interactions.
Avoid in formal business settings
In very formal business situations, 'doushite' might sound slightly too direct. Consider using 'ikite' or 'naze' depending on the nuance required.
The nuance of 'Why'
Directly asking 'why' can sometimes sound confrontational in Japanese culture. Soften your tone by adding 'chotto' or using a softer sentence ending.
Word Origin
Derived from 'dou' (how) and 'shite' (doing), literally meaning 'doing in what way' which evolved into asking for the reason.
Cultural Context
Asking 'why' directly can be perceived as challenging or overly inquisitive in Japanese culture. It is often better to frame questions indirectly to avoid making the other person feel uncomfortable.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Doushite' as 'Do it? Why?'. If someone tells you to 'do it', you naturally ask 'Why?'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「どうして」は日常会話で広く使われますが、「なぜ」は少し硬い表現で、説明文や公的な場で好まれます。日常的には「どうして」を使うのが自然です。
はい、できます。「それはどうして？」のように、理由を強調して尋ねる時に使われます。
「なんで」は非常にカジュアルな表現です。友達や家族には使えますが、目上の人やビジネスの場では避けるべきです。
はい。「どうして！」と一言で言うと、「まさか！」「信じられない！」という驚きや非難のニュアンスを含めることができます。
Test Yourself
___ 彼は来なかったのですか？
理由を尋ねる文脈なので「どうして」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
Use 'doushite' as your go-to word for asking 'why' in daily Japanese.
- Used to ask for reasons or causes.
- Common in daily conversation for asking 'why'.
- More polite than 'nande' but less formal than 'naze'.
Use Doushite for daily questions
Doushite is the safest choice for asking 'why' in almost any casual to semi-formal conversation. It sounds natural and polite enough for most daily interactions.
Avoid in formal business settings
In very formal business situations, 'doushite' might sound slightly too direct. Consider using 'ikite' or 'naze' depending on the nuance required.
The nuance of 'Why'
Directly asking 'why' can sometimes sound confrontational in Japanese culture. Soften your tone by adding 'chotto' or using a softer sentence ending.
Examples
4 of 4どうして学校を休んだのですか？
Why were you absent from school?
どうして彼がそんなことを言ったのか、わかりません。
I don't know why he said such a thing.
どうして泣いてるの？
Why are you crying?
どうしてこの現象が起きるのかを調査する。
Investigate why this phenomenon occurs.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
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.
