Japanese · Question Words
なぜ
naze
Why
Beginneradverb
Definition
The question word used to ask for a reason or cause. The more casual form is なんで (nande), while どうして (doushite) is also common and slightly softer.
Example
なぜ日本語を勉強しているのですか？
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Etymology
'なぜ' (naze) comes from historical linguistic forms used to express causality and reasoning in Japanese conversations.
How & Where It’s Used
'なぜ' is prevalent in informal settings, primarily spoken, to seek clarification or reasoning, understood throughout different regions.