Asking why with "zenme"
-
Level
-
Similar to
-
Used for
-
Keywords
Aside from just meaning "how," 怎么 (zěnme) can also be used to ask "why" or "how come."
Contents
Basic Usage
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 昨天怎么 回家了？How come you came yesterday?
- 你的 汉语 怎么 进步这么快？How come your Chinese has improved so rapidly?
- 他 今天怎么 不去上班？How come he didn't go to work today?
- 你怎么 没写作业？How come you didn't do your homework?
"Why so..." Usage
Structure
One pattern this use of 怎么 frequently appears in is with 这么 or 那么. (For more on 这么 and 那么, see adjectives with "name" and "zheme".)
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)?!
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?
See also
Sources and further reading
Books
