好词典

why

UK /waɪ/US /waɪ/

词源

源自古英语“hwȳ”,与德语“warum”同源,最初用于疑问或解释原因。

adverb

❶ 用于询问原因或目的,相当于中文的“为什么”,表达对某件事情的疑问或不解。

“Why are you late?”

(你为什么迟到了?)

“Why did you choose this book?”

(你为什么选了这本书?)

同义词:reason, cause, purpose

noun

❶ 指某事的原因或理由,通常用于解释或说明某事的背景或动机。

“I don't understand the why of his decision.”

(我不明白他做这个决定的原因。)

“She explained the why behind her actions.”

(她解释了她行为背后的理由。)

同义词:reason, explanation, motive

常见短语

why not — 用于建议或同意某事,表示“为什么不呢”,带有鼓励或支持的意味。

“You want to try skydiving? Why not!”

(你想尝试跳伞?为什么不呢!)

that's why — 用于解释原因或结果,相当于“这就是为什么”,强调因果关系。

“I was tired, that's why I went to bed early.”

(我很累,这就是为什么我早早上床睡觉。)