pourquoi

Definition

Used to ask for a reason or explanation.

Example

Etymology

'Pourquoi' comes from the combination of 'pour' (for) and 'quoi' (what), literally translating to 'for what', evolving into its current form used to ask reasons.

How & Where It’s Used

'Pourquoi' is commonly used in both spoken and written French, largely in informal contexts, though it can appear in more formal situations as well.