どうして (Why)
Why
JLPT N5
Pattern
どうして + question
How it works
どうして means “why” and is the everyday neutral choice. It is softer than なぜ and less casual than なんで. Answers often end in から.
Examples
- どうして 来なかったんですか。Why didn't you come?
- 「どうして ないて いるの？」「おなかが いたいから。」“Why are you crying?” “Because my stomach hurts.”
Related grammar
Further reading
Bunpro N5 · Lesson 6Put your practice together
Work through a complete paper at your own pace or choose a timed mock exam. No account is needed to begin.