为什么

• Pinyin: wèi shén me
• Hanzi breakdown: 为 = for; 什么 = what. Literally: for what?

Meaning

Why; for what reason. Used to ask about the reason or cause of something.

The most standard way to ask 'why' in Chinese. Can be placed at the beginning or middle of a question. Often answered with 因为 (because). Very high frequency in both spoken and written Chinese. Also used rhetorically to express frustration or disbelief.

Examples

1. 你为什么不来上课？ Why didn't you come to class?
2. 为什么今天这么冷？ Why is it so cold today?
3. 我不明白他为什么生气。 I don't understand why he's angry.

Usage Guide

Context: asking reasons, conversation, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你为什么迟到了？(Why are you late?)
• 为什么不试试看？(Why not give it a try?)

Don't Say

• 为什么你好 (Don't use 为什么 to greet people — it means 'why' and would sound like you're questioning their greeting)

Origin & History

为 (wèi, for) + 什么 (shénme, what). Literally: for what? — asking the reason.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal