Why and because – perché: Italian grammar lesson 17

To express both why and because we only have one word in Italian. Although it might appear confusing at first, this actually makes life simpler! Learn how to use perché in Italian with simple rules, examples, and audio lessons.

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Why, because, and for

How do you use perché in Italian?

In Italian, we have just one word to say both why and because: perché. This might sound confusing at the beginning but it makes life easier!

We also have another word that we use when we want to give an explanation.

This word is per and is the equivalent of “for” or “because of”.

Let’s see some examples.

Why

Like in English, this question word goes at the beginning of the sentence. Make sure you don’t forget the written stress on the “e”.

Perché non vieni stasera?

Why are you not coming tonight?

Perché mi parli così?

Why are you speaking to me like that?

Perché vai a Roma?

Why are you going to Rome?

Why in Italian

Because

As we already said, perché is also used in the answer. This word is usually followed by a verb.

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Let’s have a look at some possible answers to the questions above:

Perché devo studiare.

Because I have to study.

Perché sono arrabbiato.

Because I’m angry.

Perché vado a trovare un amico.

Because I’m going to see a friend.

Andare a going to Italian

For, because of

Per is a short word that we use to give a reason for something. It’s usually followed by a noun or a pronoun, or by a verb in the base form (in this case, it means “to”).

Non ci parliamo per mille motivi.

We don’t talk to each other for a thousand reasons.

Sono qui per te.

I’m here for you.

Vado a casa sua per parlare con lei.

I’m going to her house to talk to her.

Sono a Venezia per lavoro.

I’m in Venice for work.

Why because perche

Another way to express a reason is giacché.

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FAQs on Why and because – perché: Italian grammar lesson 17

How do you use perché in Italian?

Perché is used both to ask and answer questions. It can be translated either as "why" or "because" in English.

What is the Italian word for because?

In Italian to say "because" we use the word perché.

How do you say because of in Italian?

Because of in Italian can be translated with the words "per via di" or "a causa di."

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