Asking why with "zenme"
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Used for
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Keywords
怎么 (zěnme), aside from just meaning "how," can also be used to ask "why" or "how come."
Contents
Basic Structure
Similar to the question word 为什么, questions can also be asked with 怎么.
Subject + 怎么 + Verb + Object
This has similar connotations to saying "how come" in English. It not only asks why, but expresses some surprise at the situation, and in some cases even disagreement with it.
Examples
- 你 怎么 没 来？How come you didn't come?
- 你的 汉语 怎么 没有 进步 ？How come your Chinese has not improved?
- 他 怎么 走 了？How can he leave?
"Why so..." Structure
One pattern this use of 怎么 frequently appears in is with 这么 or 那么. (Choice of 这么 or 那么 can be somewhat arbitrary, although in theory 这么 should be used when the subject being commented upon is closer to the speaker, and 那么 when it's far away.)
Subject + 怎么 + 这么/那么 + Adj
This use of 怎么 could be translated as either "how" or "why"; the actual meaning sort of falls in the fuzzy region between the two. In any case, it's used to express disbelief: how can (something) be so (adjective)?!
"Why so..." Examples
- 你 怎么 这么 高 ？How can you be so tall?
- 你的 汉语 怎么 那么 好？How is your Chinese so good?
- 他 怎么 这么 懒 ？How can he be this lazy?
