Parce que vs Pourquoi – Because vs Why
This short guide explains when to use parce que and pourquoi in French, with quick examples and related expressions. Each section gives sentences to make the difference clear in everyday speech.
Parce que
Use parce que to give a reason, placing it before the explanation. It answers a cause or motive behind an action or situation. Think of it as linking a cause to an effect.
Examples
| French Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| ☀️ Je prends un café parce que le soleil brille. | I’m having a coffee because the sun is shining. |
| 🌳 Nous restons ici parce que l’ombre est fraîche. | We’re staying here because the shade is cool. |
| 🍰 Elle mange une part parce qu’elle a faim. | She’s eating a slice because she’s hungry. |
| 🐶 Il sourit parce que le chien joue. | He’s smiling because the dog is playing. |
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Alternative Expressions
| French Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ☕ Je bois du café car j’ai besoin d’énergie. | I’m drinking coffee for I need energy. | Formal style |
| 🍊 Je mange une orange puisque je veux de la vitamine. | I’m eating an orange since I want some vitamin. | Neutral synonym |
| 🍞 Je mange du pain, c’est que je n’ai rien dans mon sac. | I’m eating bread, it’s that I have nothing in my bag. | Emphatic tone |
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Pourquoi
Use pourquoi to ask for a reason, placing it at the start of a question. It requests an explanation or cause for something that happened or is happening.
Examples
| French Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🌧️ Pourquoi restes-tu sous le parapluie ? | Why are you staying under the umbrella? |
| 🐦 Pourquoi l’oiseau chante-t-il si tôt ? | Why does the bird sing so early? |
| 🕰️ Pourquoi le café est-il toujours fermé à cette heure ? | Why is the café always closed at this time? |
| 🔦 Pourquoi allumes-tu la lampe maintenant ? | Why are you turning on the lamp now? |
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Related Questions
| French Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🗣️ Comment ça marche ? | How does it work? |
| Quand est-ce qu’on mange ? | When do we eat? |
| Où est le marché ? | Where is the market? |
| Qui vient au parc ? | Who is coming to the park? |
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Summary
Parce que gives a reason and appears in answers, while pourquoi asks for a reason and appears in questions. Keep them distinct: use pourquoi to inquire and parce que to explain.
Last updated: Tue Sep 16, 2025