cớ sao
Definition
- 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?)