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怎么
zěn me
how
你怎么了？
What's wrong with you?
informal
used to ask about the manner, way, or method of doing something
这个菜怎么做？
How do you make this dish?
你怎么去学校？
How do you go to school?
Often used in questions to inquire about processes, actions, or states.
informal
used to express surprise, disapproval, or confusion about a situation
你怎么还不睡觉？
Why aren't you sleeping yet?
你怎么能这样做？
How could you do that?
Conveys a tone of questioning or mild criticism.
informal
used to indicate that something is unexpected or surprising
天气怎么这么冷？
How can it be so cold?
Often used in exclamatory sentences to express disbelief.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage with verbs
怎么 is often followed by a verb to ask about the method or manner of an action. For example, '怎么走' means 'how to walk' or 'which way to go'.
Gold Rule
Question formation
怎么 is placed at the beginning of a question to inquire about methods, reasons, or states. It is not used as a standalone question word like 'what' or 'why'.
Word Origin
Combination of '怎' (how) and '么' (a particle indicating manner or degree), both ancient Chinese characters.
Usage Notes
怎么 is a versatile question word used in both direct and rhetorical questions. It often pairs with verbs or adjectives to form questions about methods, reasons, or states.
Word Breakdown
怎
how
root么
a particle indicating manner or degree
suffix汉英词典