Parce que vs Pourquoi

In French, parce que and pourquoi serve different functions: one gives a reason and the other asks for one. This short guide shows when to use each phrase with quick examples.

Parce que

Use parce que to introduce a cause or explanation in response to a question or when giving a reason. It connects an action or fact to its underlying cause.

Examples

Pourquoi

Use pourquoi to ask for a reason, placing it at the start of a question to request an explanation or motive. It prompts someone to reveal cause or purpose.

Examples

French Example	English Translation	Usage
❓ Pourquoi es-tu parti si tôt ?	Why did you leave so early?	Question
🗣️ Je me demande pourquoi il ne répond pas.	I wonder why he isn’t answering.	Question
📅 Pourquoi changeons-nous la date ?	Why are we changing the date?	Question
🔦 Peux-tu expliquer pourquoi c’est important ?	Can you explain why it’s important?	Question

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Other Ways to Say Because

French also offers phrases like car, puisque, and comme to express cause, each with subtle differences in tone and placement. These alternatives can sound more formal or highlight an obvious reason.

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Summary

Use pourquoi to ask for a reason and parce que to give one. Remember that parce que introduces an explanation while pourquoi frames a question. Short examples help make the distinction clear.