zergatik
Why (Zergatik)
zergatik means "why": Zergatik ikasten duzu euskara? (Why are you learning Basque?)
How It Works
zergatik is built from zer (what) plus the ending -gatik (because of), so it literally means "because of what".
Position. zergatik goes directly before the verb:
- Zergatik ikasten duzu euskara? (Why are you learning Basque?)
- Zergatik dago denda itxita? (Why is the shop closed?)
In a negative question, ez and the auxiliary follow right after it: Zergatik ez zara etorri? (Why didn't you come?)
Answering. English uses "why" and "because" as two different words, and Spanish uses por qué and porque. Basque answers with the ending -lako on the verb, never with zergatik: Zergatik? Lan asko dudalako. (Why? Because I have a lot of work.)
Why or what for? zergatik asks for a reason. To ask about a purpose, Basque often uses zertarako (what for): Zertarako behar duzu? (What do you need it for?) See -rako.
Why not? The short question is Zergatik ez?
Examples (5)
- Zergatik ikasten duzu euskara?
Why are you learning Basque?
- Zergatik ez zara etorri?
Why didn't you come?
ez and the auxiliary zara come right after zergatik; etorri goes last.
- Zergatik dago denda itxita?
Why is the shop closed?
- Zergatik? Lan asko dudalako.
Why? Because I have a lot of work.
The answer adds -lako to dut: dudalako.
- Zergatik ez?
Why not?
Common Mistakes
Using zergatik to mean "because".
Zergatik nekatuta nago.Nekatuta nagoelako.zergatik only asks the question. "Because" is the ending -lako on the verb: nago becomes nagoelako.
Putting the subject between zergatik and ez.
Zergatik zu ez zara etorri?Zergatik ez zara etorri zu?Nothing goes between zergatik and the verb group. In a negative question, ez follows zergatik directly.
How It Connects
Learn This First
zergatik follows zer.
Related Patterns
- -lakoBecause: -lako
Gives the -lako ending used to answer zergatik.
Level 2 - -rakoFor and by: -rako
zertarako asks about purpose, "what for".
Level 3 - -tzekoIn Order to: -tzeko
Answers a purpose question with "in order to".
Level 2 - -(r)engatik / -(r)i eskerBecause of, Thanks to
Shows the -gatik ending that zergatik is built from.
Level 3 - ezNegation with Ez
Explains the order in Zergatik ez zara etorri?
Level 1 - Question Word Next to the Verb
Explains why zergatik stands right before the verb.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice zergatik in Bubblegum
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