(wèi shén me) - why, for what reason in Mandarin
wèishénmeTraditional: 為什麼
Translation
why, for what reason
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Word origin
A three-character question phrase meaning why. 为 (wèi) 'for' plus 什么 (shénme) 'what' gives literally 'for what'. 什 has the 亻 'person' radical, and 么 is a small phonetic element used in question words.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 为 (wèi, 'for') + 什 (shén) + 么 (me), together 'for what'
Stroke order
为
什
么
Examples
？
Why did you not come?
？
Why is the sky blue?
。
I do not know why he is so angry.
?
Why has he not arrived yet?
?
Can you tell me why?
Where this fits
Used in
Stories
(13)错过公交车
3 min read · Core 1000
上班第一天
3 min read · Core 1000
新邻居
3 min read · Core 1000
错过的火车
5 min read · Core 5000
火车晚了两个小时
5 min read · Core 5000
后面的字
5 min read · Core 5000
旧手机
5 min read · Core 5000
最老的门
5 min read · Core 5000
那件事
5 min read · Core 5000
三天
5 min read · Core 5000
欢迎再来
5 min read · Core 5000
三条腿
5 min read · Core 5000
中间的树
5 min read · Core 5000
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Mandarin · Free printables
为什么: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "为什么" (why, for what reason): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
This word is taught in chapter 2, lesson 8: 为什么, 个, 看 and 7 more words.