hoekom/waarom
Why
Ask why with hoekom or waarom: Hoekom lag jy? (Why are you laughing?)
How It Works
Hoekom and waarom both mean why. There is no real difference in meaning, and both are correct in speech and writing. In everyday conversation, hoekom is heard most often.
- Hoekom lag jy? (Why are you laughing?)
- Waarom is jy laat? (Why are you late?)
- Hoekom leer jy Afrikaans? (Why are you learning Afrikaans?)
Word order. The verb comes right after hoekom or waarom, and the subject follows: see questions with a question word.
Why not? On its own, Hoekom nie? means Why not? It has only one nie, because that nie is already at the end.
Giving a reason. You can answer with want, which keeps normal word order: Want ek is moeg. Or you can use omdat, which sends the verb to the end: Omdat ek moeg is. See want or omdat.
Therefore. The related word daarom means that's why or so: Ek is moeg, daarom gaan ek slaap.
Examples (5)
- Hoekom lag jy?
Why are you laughing?
Word by Word: Why laugh you?
- Waarom is jy laat?
Why are you late?
Word by Word: Why are you late?
- Hoekom leer jy Afrikaans?
Why are you learning Afrikaans?
Word by Word: Why learn you Afrikaans?
- Waarom huil die baba?
Why is the baby crying?
Word by Word: Why cries the baby?
- Hoekom nie?
Why not?
Word by Word: Why not?
One nie is enough, because it is already last.
Common Mistakes
Keeping the statement order after hoekom.
Hoekom jy lag?Hoekom lag jy?In a direct question the verb comes right after hoekom or waarom.
Putting the verb at the end after want.
Want ek siek is.Want ek is siek.Want keeps normal word order. Only omdat sends the verb to the end: Omdat ek siek is.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Hoekom and waarom are question words that use question word order.
Related Patterns
- wantBecause (Want)
Want gives a reason and keeps normal word order.
Level 1 - omdatBecause (Omdat)
Omdat also gives a reason but sends the verb to the end.
Level 2 - want / omdatWant or Omdat?
Compare the two ways of answering a why question.
Level 3 - daarom/dusLinking Words That Move the Verb
Daarom means that's why and moves the verb in front of the subject.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice hoekom/waarom in Bubblegum
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