何故 (hé gù) — (literary, formal) why, for what reason

Definition

何故 is a literary/formal adverb meaning 'why' or 'for what reason'. It appears mainly in written Chinese, classical-style prose, or formal speech — in everyday conversation, 为什么 is far more common. Use 何故 when you want a more elevated or rhetorical tone.

adv.

(literary, formal) whyfor what reason

Examples

何故？
Nǐ hé gù rúcǐ cōngmáng?
Why are you in such a hurry?
何故，。
Tā hé gù bù cí ér bié, wúrén zhīxiǎo.
Why he left without saying goodbye, no one knows.
何故？
hé gù zuòchū zhèyàng de juédìng?
Why did you make such a decision?

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