perquè

Perquè is a Catalan word used in two related functions: as a causal conjunction meaning "because" (written as one word, perquè) and as an interrogative expression meaning "why" when written as two words (per què). It is among the most frequent connectors in Catalan and appears in both spoken and written registers.

As a conjunction, perquè introduces a clause that gives a reason: Ho faig perquè vull (I do it because I want to). As an interrogative, per què typically opens or appears within questions: Per què ho fas? (Why are you doing it?). The grave accent on è in perquè marks the stressed vowel in the causal form; the interrogative uses the same vowel but separates the preposition per and the interrogative què.

Etymologically, què and forms like perquè derive from Latin per + quid/quod and are cognate with similar Romance items: Italian perché, Spanish por qué/porque, and French pourquoi/parce que. Variants and orthographic conventions differ across languages; Catalan maintains the distinction between per què (question) and perquè (answer or causal clause).

Usage notes include avoidance of confusion with homophonous items and adherence to standard orthography in formal writing. Perquè is central to expressing cause and asking reason in Catalan grammar.