为什么 (wèi shén me) — why
Definition
The standard way to ask 'why' for a reason. It can also introduce indirect reasons: '...is because...'. Compared to 怎么 it focuses on reason, not manner; 为何 is the same meaning but formal/literary.
phrase
why
Examples
- 为什么？Jīn tiān nǐ wèi shén me bù lái?Why aren't you coming today?
- 为什么？Tā wèi shén me bù xǐ huan nà běn shū?Why doesn't he like that book?
- 为什么？Nǐ wèi shén me méi yǒu mǎi shū?Why didn't you buy any books?
Grammar
Appears in
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