cớ gì

Cậu bé hỏi "Cớ gì mình phải đi ngủ sớm thế?" với vẻ mặt ngạc nhiên.

Definition

1. Interrogative phrase:
   • Why on earth...?; For what possible reason...?: Used to express strong surprise, disbelief, or to question the reason for an action or situation, often implying that the action is unnecessary, illogical, or unjustified. It carries a stronger emotional charge than the simple "tại sao" (why).

Usage Examples

• Interrogative phrase:
  • Cớ gì anh phải tức giận như vậy? (Why on earth do you have to be so angry?)
  • Cớ gì cô ấy lại từ chối một cơ hội tuyệt vời như thế? (For what possible reason would she refuse such a wonderful opportunity?)
  • Cớ gì phải vội vàng? Chúng ta còn nhiều thời gian mà. (Why the rush? We still have plenty of time.)

Advanced Usage

• "Cớ gì mà...": This structure is very common and emphasizes the questioning of a reason. It can sometimes convey a sense of reproach or criticism.

  • Cớ gì mà anh làm phiền cô ấy lúc này? (Why on earth are you bothering her at a time like this?)

• Used in rhetorical questions where an answer is not expected, but the speaker's attitude (surprise, disapproval) is emphasized.

  • Cớ gì tôi phải sợ? (Why should I be afraid? / What do I have to be afraid of?)

Variants and Related Words

• Cớ chi (interrogative phrase): A more literary or old-fashioned variant with the same meaning as "cớ gì".

  • Cớ chi người buồn rầu? (Why are you so sorrowful?)

• Lẽ gì (interrogative phrase): Similar meaning, questioning reason or logic, often translated as "why should..." or "how could...".

  • Lẽ gì tôi lại quên ngày sinh nhật của bạn? (How could I possibly forget your birthday?)

Synonyms

• Tại sao: Why. (A neutral, standard interrogative for "why").
• Vì lẽ gì: For what reason. (More formal).

Related Idioms

• Không có cớ gì...: There is no reason why... / There's no excuse for...

  • Không có cớ gì cho hành vi thô lỗ đó. (There is no excuse for that rude behavior.)

• Cớ gì không...?: Why not...? (Used to make a strong suggestion or to express that something is obviously a good idea).

  • Trời đẹp thế này, cớ gì chúng ta không đi dạo? (The weather is so nice, why on earth don't we go for a walk?)