French · Greetings & Essentials
"Why?" in French: pourquoi ?
pourquoi ?
Why in French is pourquoi. Pourquoi tu ris ? means why are you laughing? The answer often starts with parce que (because). Pourquoi pas ? means why not?
Curious friend
Pourquoi tu ne réponds pas ?Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce pourquoi ?
Say it
poor-KWAH
/puʁ.kwa/
Pourquoi is poor-KWAH. Pou is like poor without a strong r, and ois is wah.
"Why?" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| pourquoi ? | why? Direct question. | Direct question. |
| pourquoi est-ce que… ? | why… ? Spoken pattern. | Spoken pattern. |
| pourquoi pas ? | why not? Agreeing to an idea. | Agreeing to an idea. |
| parce que | because Typical answer starter. | Typical answer starter. |
How to use pourquoi ? in real life
- 1Curious friend
Pourquoi tu ne réponds pas ?
Why aren't you answering?
Pourquoi + clause.
- 2Suggestion
Pourquoi pas un cinéma ce soir ?
Why not a movie tonight?
Pourquoi pas.
- 3Kid logic
Pourquoi le ciel est bleu ?
Why is the sky blue?
Classic pourquoi question.
Mistakes English speakers make with pourquoi ?
Incorrect: Why tu es en retard ?
Correct: Pourquoi tu es en retard ?
Use pourquoi.
Incorrect: Parce que pourquoi… (tangled).
Correct: Pourquoi… ? → Parce que…
Ask with pourquoi; answer with parce que.
Good to know
Pourquoi pas ? is a cheerful yes to a suggestion. Kids' endless pourquoi chains are as famous in French as in English.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Changing weekend plans
ChatPal
Pourquoi tu veux rester à la maison ?
Why do you want to stay home?
You
Parce que je suis crevé. Pourquoi pas dimanche ?
Because I'm wiped. Why not Sunday?
ChatPal
Dimanche marche.
Sunday works.
You
Super.
Great.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Why?" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Why?" in French
How do you say why in French?
Pourquoi ?
How do you answer a pourquoi question?
Often with parce que…
What does pourquoi pas mean?
Why not?
How do you pronounce pourquoi?
Poor-KWAH.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
Keep reading
- Ordering Food in French: Essential Phrases for 2026Ordering food in french - Learn how to confidently order food in French with real-life phrases and tips for 2026 travelers
- 10 Best French Speaking Practice Apps for 2026Find the best French speaking practice app to build fluency. We review 10 top tools like ChatPal for conversation, travel prep, and building confidence in 2026.
