Another way to ask why (niçin)

Another Word for "Why"

You just learned neden (why). Turkish has a second why-word you will hear just as often: niçin (why — for what reason). The two are fully interchangeable — every neden question works with niçin, and the answer still begins with çünkü.

Why are you crying?
Niçin ağlıyorsun?
I am crying because my head aches.
Ağlıyorum çünkü başım ağrıyor.

In relaxed everyday speech you will also hear niye — a third, casual way to ask the very same question.

Question and Reason, Side by Side

Whichever why-word you pick, the rhythm is the same: ask with niçin, answer with çünkü.

Why are you not going to school?
Niçin okula gitmiyorsun?
I am not going because I am sick.
Gitmiyorum çünkü hastayım.
Why are you busy?
Niçin meşgulsün?
I am busy because I have a lot of work today.
Meşgulüm çünkü bugün çok işim var.