nega / nima uchun
Why
Nega and nima uchun both mean why: Nega kelmadingiz? (Why didn't you come?) Nima uchun oʻzbek tilini oʻrganyapsiz? (Why are you learning Uzbek?)
How It Works
1. Two ways to ask why
- nega: short and everyday. Nega kechikdingiz? (Why were you late?)
- nima uchun: equally correct and common in writing. It can also ask about purpose: Bu nima uchun kerak? (What is this needed for?)
In casual speech you will also hear nimaga (what for, why).
2. Where it goes
The question word usually comes at the start or right before the verb. The rest of the sentence keeps its normal order, with the verb at the end.
- Nega kelmadingiz? (Why didn't you come?)
- Siz nega xafasiz? (Why are you upset?)
3. No -mi
The question word already makes the question, so -mi is not added: Nega kelmadingiz?
4. Answering
Give the reason, often with Because: — Nega kechikdingiz? — Chunki avtobus kelmadi. For a result, use So, Therefore (so).
Examples (6)
- Nega kelmadingiz?
Why didn't you come?
- Nima uchun oʻzbek tilini oʻrganyapsiz?
Why are you learning Uzbek?
- — Nega kechikdingiz? — Chunki avtobus kelmadi.
"Why were you late?" "Because the bus didn't come."
- Bu nima uchun kerak?
What is this needed for?
Word by Word: this what for needed
Here nima uchun asks about purpose.
- Nega bugun ishlamaysiz?
Why aren't you working today?
- Siz nega xafasiz?
Why are you upset?
Xafa (upset) + -siz (you are).
Common Mistakes
Adding -mi to a why question.
Nega kelmadingizmi?Nega kelmadingiz?A question word like nega already makes the sentence a question. Use -mi only for yes-no questions.
Answering with uchun instead of chunki.
— Nega kelmadingiz? — Uchun kasal edim.— Nega kelmadingiz? — Chunki kasal edim.Uchun comes after a word (siz uchun, for you). To start a reason, use chunki (because).
How It Connects
Learn This First
Builds on What.
Related Patterns
- uchunFor
The postposition for that forms nima uchun.
Level 2 - chunkiBecause
The usual word to start an answer with a reason.
Level 2 - shuning uchunSo, Therefore
Gives the result instead of the reason: so, therefore.
Level 2 - -miYes-No Questions with -mi
Used only for yes-no questions, never together with nega.
Level 1 - -gani uchunBecause: -gani Uchun
A later way to give a reason: because something happened.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice nega / nima uchun in Bubblegum
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