HSK 2
怎么
zěnme
how come
Structure
Subject + 怎么 + (不/没/Adj/Verb phrase)?
How it works
In this context, '怎么' (zěnme) is used to express surprise or to ask 'why/how come' an unexpected situation is occurring. While '为什么' (wèishéme) asks for a neutral reason or cause, '怎么' implies the speaker finds the situation strange or unexpected.
Examples
你怎么没去上班？
Nǐ zěnme méi qù shàngbān?
How come you didn't go to work?
今天你怎么这么晚才起？
Jīntiān nǐ zěnme zhème wǎn cái qǐ?
How come you got up so late today?
你怎么不吃药？
Nǐ zěnme bù chī yào?
How come you aren't taking your medicine?
Common mistakes
Do not confuse this with '怎么 + Verb' (e.g., 怎么写), which asks about the method or 'how' to do something. When asking 'why/how come', it usually precedes a state or a negative action.
Tip
If you want to sound more shocked or concerned, place the '怎么' right after the subject to emphasize that the specific person's behavior is surprising.
More HSK 2 grammar
See 怎么 in real Chinese
Import an article and tap any sentence using it. The explanation comes back about the sentence in front of you, not a textbook example.
Try InputDojo free