Definition

1. Interrogative Phrase:

   • For what purpose? / What's the use?: Expresses a rhetorical question questioning the value, purpose, or point of doing something, often implying that the action is futile, unnecessary, or not worth the effort.

2. Phrase (rhetorical):

   • Why bother? / What for?: Used to convey a sense of resignation, disdain, or philosophical reflection on the triviality or pointlessness of certain pursuits, especially status, wealth, or effort.

Usage Examples

• Interrogative Phrase:
  • Vào luồn ra cúi công hầu mà chi. (What is the use of being a duke or marquis if one must bow and scrape?)
  • Tiền bạc nhiều mà chi, cuối cùng cũng chẳng mang theo được. (What's the use of so much money? In the end, you can't take it with you.)
  • Tranh giành nhau chức vị nhỏ nhoi ấy mà chi? (Why bother fighting over such a petty position?)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is classical and literary in tone. It is often used in proverbs, poetry, or reflective speech to critique worldly ambitions or social climbing, suggesting a higher, often moral or simple, value.
• It functions as a complete rhetorical unit, typically at the end of a clause or sentence to emphasize the questioned action's lack of worth.

Variants and Related Words

• Để làm gì: For what purpose? (A more modern, direct equivalent).

  • Làm việc này để làm gì? (What's the purpose of doing this?)

• Có ích gì: Of what use is it?

  • Giận dữ có ích gì? (What's the use of being angry?)

Synonyms

• What's the point?: Used to question the reason or usefulness of something.
• Why bother?: Expresses that something is not worth the effort.
• To what end?: Asks for the ultimate purpose or goal.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Mà chi is itself a fixed, idiomatic phrase. Its meaning is closely tied to the classical literary context.
• It can be part of a larger philosophical sentiment contrasting worldly struggle with inner peace or simple contentment.