Naze and Doshite

Mycernius · 14 Jan 2007

I have heard, seen and read that "naze" and "doushite" both mean why, but in what context would you use one over the other, as they seem interchangable to me? One of my grammar books even says they are interchangable.

Glenn · 14 Jan 2007

Naze is more formal than dôshite, and it only has the meaning "why." Dôshite, on the other hand, also has the meanings of "by what means/how," "rather/conversly (as in "he looks pretty weak, but he's rather/conversely strong"*), and also can be used to oppose or strongly deny some viewpoint. The latter usage I'm not terribly clear on yet.

*Ripped shamelessly from 大辞林 example sentence (3) under 一（副）.

J44xm · 14 Jan 2007

I looked up dôshite and it was interesting. Because I started advancing in my studies, I always got the impression that naze was actually a very rough form of dôshite (I suppose from whatever anime I watched way back when). I was pretty shocked to learn that it's actually formal. I'm still getting used to that.

Elizabeth · 15 Jan 2007

Glenn said:
Naze is more formal than dôshite, and it only has the meaning "why." Dôshite, on the other hand, also has the meanings of "by what means/how," "rather/conversly (as in "he looks pretty weak, but he's rather/conversely strong"*), and also can be used to oppose or strongly deny some viewpoint. The latter usage I'm not terribly clear on yet.

*Ripped shamelessly from 大辞林 example sentence (3) under 一（副）.

Yeah, 80% of the time it is "why" and interchangeable, though -- @Mycernius

epigene · 15 Jan 2007

@Mycernius ,
I think it's generally safe to say that they are interchangeable. Just be aware that there may be differences that you learn as you advance in your studies. I don't think you have to be perfect when you're just starting to learn. Most Japanese speakers will understand you.

Glenn said:
... "rather/conversely (as in "he looks pretty weak, but he's rather/conversely strong"*), and also can be used to oppose or strongly deny some viewpoint. The latter usage I'm not terribly clear on yet.

@Glenn ,
Do you mean this? I think this usage is commonly combined with "naka-naka" as in "naka-naka doushite": 中々どうして

Naze and Doshite

Mycernius

The Hairy Wookie

Glenn

一切皆苦

J44xm

経験値が足りない

Elizabeth

先輩

epigene

相変わらず不束者です

Similar threads