cớ chi
Definition
- Interrogative phrase:
- Why, for what reason: "cớ chi" is a literary or somewhat old-fashioned interrogative phrase used to ask about the reason or cause for something, often expressing surprise, doubt, or a rhetorical question.
Usage Examples
- Interrogative phrase:
- Cớ chi anh lại buồn thế? (Why are you so sad?)
- Cớ chi nàng phải khóc? (For what reason must she cry?)
- Cớ chi phải vội vàng? (Why the rush?)
Advanced Usage
- Rhetorical questions: Often used in poetry, songs, or formal speech to pose a question not expecting a literal answer but to emphasize a point or express emotion.
- Cớ chi đời lại phũ phàng thế? (Why must life be so cruel?) [Expresses lament]
- Expressing protest or disagreement: Can convey a sense of objection or challenge to a presumed reason.
- Cớ chi tôi lại phải xin lỗi? (Why on earth should I apologize?)
Variants and Related Words
- Cớ gì: A more common variant with the same meaning (why, what for).
- Cớ gì phải lo? (What's there to worry about?)
- Tại sao: The standard, neutral word for "why".
- Vì sao: Another formal/literary word for "why" or "for what reason".
Synonyms
- Vì lẽ gì: For what reason.
- Do đâu: From where/why (literary).
Related Phrases
- Cớ sự: Reason, cause, matter (noun). This is a related noun, not the interrogative phrase itself.
- Đó là cớ sự gì? (What is the reason for that?)
- Kiếm cớ: To find an excuse.
- Anh ta đang kiếm cớ để đi về sớm. (He is finding an excuse to leave early.)
Related Idioms
- Không có cớ chi: There is no reason at all.
- Anh ấy giận tôi mà không có cớ chi. (He is angry with me for no reason at all.)
- Cớ chi đâu: Why indeed (emphatic rhetorical question).
- Cớ chi đâu mà phải tranh cãi? (Why indeed must we argue?)