何故

Chinese

Pronunciation

Adverb

何故

1. (literary) for what reason; why

   • 以是縣天下，一四海，何故必自為之？ [Classical Chinese, trad.]
     以是县天下，一四海，何故必自为之？ [Classical Chinese, simp.]

     From: Xunzi, c. 3^rd century BCE

     Yǐshì xuán tiānxià, yī sìhǎi, hégù bì zì wéi zhī?

     But if one is going to use such a lofty position to manage all under Heaven and unify the lands within the four seas, then for what reason must one do everything oneself?

   • 楚莊王欲伐陳，使人視之。使者曰：「陳不可伐也。」莊王曰：「何故？」 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
     楚庄王欲伐陈，使人视之。使者曰：「陈不可伐也。」庄王曰：「何故？」 [Classical Chinese, simp.]

     From: Lü Buwei, Master Lü's Spring and Autumn Annals, 239 BCE

     Chǔ Zhuāng Wáng yù fá Chén, shǐ rén shì zhī. Shǐzhě yuē: “Chén bùkě fá yě.” Zhuāng Wáng yuē: “Hégù?”

     King Zhuang of Chu, wishing to attack the State of Chen, dispatched a messenger for reconnaissance. The messenger reported, "We cannot attack the State of Chen." King Zhuang asked, "Why?"

Synonyms

Japanese

Etymology 1

Etymology 2