/puʁ.kwa/

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Translation

why

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Word origin

A compound of pour ('for') and quoi ('what'), literally 'for what'. Both elements descend from Latin, pour from pro and quoi from quid.

Origin
Latin
Root
pro + quid

Examples

?

Why are you sad?

?

But why are you telling me this now?

?

Why didn't you come last night?

.

I don't know why she left so quickly.

.

I don't understand why the train is late again.

Where this fits

Used in

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French · Free printables

pourquoi: worksheet, infographic and listicle

Free printable study downloads for the French word "pourquoi" (why): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.

This word is taught in chapter 2, lesson 8: pourquoi, toi, lui and 11 more words.