Polish · Question Words
why
Used to ask about reasons.
Dlaczego się spóźniłeś?
Why were you late?
'Dlaczego' comes from a combination of the Proto-Slavic words meaning 'why' and a form that implies causation. It has long served in Polish to ask for reasons.
'Dlaczego' is used in a variety of contexts, both spoken and written. It suits informal dialogue as well as formal inquiries without significant regional variation.