1. Home
  2. Grammar Points
  3. Asking why with 怎么 ("zen3me")

Asking why with 怎么 ("zen3me")

怎么 zěnme

Grammar
HSK 2

Structure

Subj. + 怎么 + Verb + Obj. ? Subj. + 怎么 (+ 不) + Adj. Subj. + 怎么 + 这么 / 那么 + Adj.

Translations

  • why

Definition

用于询问原因，相当于“为什么”。

Used to ask about the reason, equivalent to 'why'.

Usage

常出现在口语中，置于动词或形容词前，表达对某件事情感到疑惑或不满，询问原因。

Commonly used in spoken Chinese, placed before verbs or adjectives to express doubt or dissatisfaction and ask for the reason.

Examples

  • 1 你怎么没来开会？(Why didn't you come to the meeting?)
  • 2 她怎么哭了？(Why is she crying?)
  • 3 你怎么不早说？(Why didn't you say it earlier?)
  • 4 天怎么这么热？(Why is it so hot?)
  • 5 他怎么还没到？(Why hasn't he arrived yet?)

Put it into practice

Exam-style HSK drills with instant scoring and explanations.

Find my HSK level

Free · about 3 minutes · no account needed