spiegare il perché
Lemma: spiegare il perché
Translation: to explain why; to explain the reason; to give an explanation (phrase)
Etymology: This phrase combines 'spiegare' (to explain) with 'il perché' (the reason/why). 'Spiegare' comes from Latin 'explicare' meaning 'to unfold, to explain', which shares roots with English 'explicate' and 'explicit'. 'Perché' combines 'per' (for) and 'ché' (what/that), similar to how English 'because' etymologically means 'by cause'.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'spiegare' as 'spreading out' information (like its Latin root 'explicare' meaning 'to unfold')
- Connect 'perché' with English 'per cause' → 'because'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts in Italian. Italians often value clear explanations and reasoning in communication, making this phrase particularly useful in discussions, debates, and everyday conversations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Spiegare il perché' means to explain why, while 'chiedere il perché' means to ask why. They represent opposite sides of the same conversation.
Notes: These phrases are complementary in conversation - one person might 'chiedere il perché' and the other would 'spiegare il perché'.
Mnemonic: 'Spiegare' starts with 'sp' like 'speak' (giving explanations), while 'chiedere' starts with 'ch' like 'question' (asking for explanations).