(gàn má) - why on earth, what for in Mandarin
gànmáTraditional: 幹嗎
Translation
why on earth, what for
Word origin
A colloquial question phrase from 干 (gàn, to do) and 吗 (má here as 嘛, a question element), literally doing what, hence why or what for. The simplified 干 covers the traditional 幹.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 干 (gàn, to do) + 吗 (má, question element)
Stroke order
干
吗
Examples
？
Why on earth are you so angry?
？
Why did you not tell me sooner?
？
What are you standing here for?
？
What did you lie to me for?
？
Why are you calling so late?
干吗 (gàn má) means why on earth or what for. It is used in casual speech to question a reason or purpose.
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干吗: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "干吗" (why on earth, what for): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 28.