cén fáth

Asking Why

Level 1

Cén fáth asks why: Cén fáth a bhfuil tú anseo? The following clause uses an appropriate relative construction.

How It Works

Cén fáth asks why: Cén fáth a bhfuil tú anseo? The following clause uses an appropriate relative construction.

Cén fáth introduces a question about a reason. In the present location example, a bhfuil is an indirect-relative construction. Learn the verb form with the question: it is not formed by placing cén fáth before an unchanged Tá tú... statement.

Examples (3)

  1. Cén fáth a bhfuil tú anseo?

    Why are you here?

  2. Cén fáth a bhfuil sí tuirseach?

    Why is she tired?

  3. Cén fáth ar imigh sé?

    Why did he leave?

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

cén fáthLevel 1Asking Why

Learn This First

Use dependent bí in another question about a circumstantial relationship.

Words in This Pattern

cénfáth