Definition

1. Interrogative phrase:
   • Why; for what reason: A literary or somewhat formal interrogative phrase used to question the cause, reason, or motive behind an action or situation. It expresses inquiry, often with a tone of surprise, disappointment, or reproach.

Usage Examples

• Interrogative phrase:
  • Cớ sao anh không đến dự họp? (Why did you not attend the meeting?)
  • Cớ sao trời mưa mãi thế này? (Why does it keep raining like this?)
  • Cớ sao nàng lại phụ lòng ta? (Why did you betray my heart?)

Advanced Usage

• Used in rhetorical questions to express strong emotion rather than to seek a direct answer.
  • Cớ sao số phận lại khắc nghiệt thế? (Why must fate be so cruel?)

Variants and Related Words

• Tại sao (interrogative phrase): Why; for what reason. (More common and neutral in modern usage.)

  • Tại sao bạn lại muốn đi? (Why do you want to go?)

• Vì sao (interrogative phrase): Why; for what cause. (Common in both spoken and written language.)

  • Vì sao chuyện này xảy ra? (Why did this happen?)

Synonyms

• Why: For what reason or purpose.
• How come: Informal for asking the reason for something.
• For what reason: A more formal equivalent.

Related Idioms

• Cớ sao nên nỗi: An expression of lament, meaning "How did it come to this?"
  • Mọi chuyện tốt đẹp, cớ sao nên nỗi chia ly? (Everything was fine, how did it come to this separation?)