A2 · Grammar reference · ASGD7NS3
Asking why with "zenme" Aside from just meaning "how," 怎么 (zěnme) can also be used to ask "why" or "how come."
Structure
Subj. + 怎么 + Verb + Obj.?
Subj. + 怎么 (+ 不) + Adj.
Subj. + 怎么 + 这么 / 那么 + Adj.
Keywords 怎么 · 这么 · 那么 · why
Used for Asking questions · Expressing attitude · Exclaiming
Classification HSK2 Examples (16) Add all sentences to My sentences How come he's not here yet? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. How can you hit people? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. He helped you. How come you didn't say thank you? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. How come you didn't tell me when you got married? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. We haven't started eating yet. How come he has already finished eating? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. Today is Monday. Why aren't you going to work? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. Why is the water not hot? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. Why is the Sichuan food here not spicy? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. He kissed you. How come you're not happy? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. Her kitten died. Why isn't she sad? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. Every day you work 12 hours. Why are you not tired? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. How can he be this lazy? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. How could it be so cold yesterday? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. How can these people so loud? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. How can the air in Beijing be so bad? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. How is your Mandarin so good? Illustrates Asking why with "zenme" with 怎么. Further resources
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