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почему. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
почему, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
почему in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
почему you have here. The definition of the word
почему will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
почему, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Russian
Alternative forms
Etymology
Univerbation of the preposition по (po, “according to”) + чему́ (čemú), dative singular of что (što).
Pronunciation
Adverb
почему́ • (počemú)
- (interrogative) why (due to what, on what grounds)
- Почему́ вы говори́те э́то? ― Počemú vy govoríte éto? ― Why do you say this?
- Почему́ он жела́ет ви́деть меня́? ― Počemú on želájet vídetʹ menjá? ― Why does he wish to see me?
- (indicative) why (due to what, on what grounds)
- Я не зна́ю, почему́ телефо́н не рабо́тает. ― Ja ne znáju, počemú telefón ne rabótajet. ― I don't know why the phone isn't working.
Usage notes
- The answer usually begins with потому́ что (potomú što).
Related terms
See also