为什么？
wèishénme?
Why · trad. 為什麼？
为什么？ (Wèishénme) is a common question word meaning “Why?” It is used to ask for the reason or cause behind something.
What does 为什么？ (wèishénme?) mean?
为什么？ (wèishénme?) means “why” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “for what?”
When to use it
Neutral and direct. It can be used as a standalone question or within a sentence. Answers to 为什么？ typically begin with 因为 (yīnwèi), meaning “because.”
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “WAY-shun-muh.” The first syllable has a falling tone, and the second two are light (neutral tones).
Other ways to say it
- 为什么不？wèishénme bù?Why not?
- 这是为什么？zhè shì wèishénme?Why is this?
- 为什么会这样？wèishénme huì zhèyàng?Why is it like this?
Examples
你为什么迟到了？
nǐ wèishénme chídào le?
Why are you late?
为什么？我真的不明白。
wèishénme? wǒ zhēnde bù míngbai.
Why? I really don't understand.
他为什么不来？
tā wèishénme bù lái?
Why isn't he coming?
Pro tip: When someone asks 为什么？, a common and natural way to reply is to start your explanation with 因为 (yīnwèi), meaning “because.”
Related phrases
这是什么？ · What is this那是什么？ · What is that什么时候？ · When
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →