怎
zěn
how, why, what
Used in interrogative expressions to ask 'how' or 'why'. Essential for forming questions about methods, reasons, and circumstances.
Compound Words
怎么 zěnme
English: how, why Español: cómo / por qué
how + what = asking method or reason
怎样 zěnyàng
English: how, in what way Español: cómo / de qué manera
how + manner = asking about method
怎么办 zěnmebàn
English: what to do Español: qué hacer
how + handle = seeking solution
怎么样 zěnmeyàng
English: how about, how is it Español: qué tal / cómo está
how + what + manner = asking opinion
怎么说 zěnmeshuō
English: how to say, what do you mean Español: cómo decir / qué quieres decir
how + say = asking for explanation
怎么了 zěnmele
English: what's wrong, what happened Español: qué pasa / qué pasó
how + completion = asking about problem
怎么回事 zěnmehuíshì
English: what's going on Español: qué está pasando
how + return + matter = asking about situation
怎么可能 zěnmekěnéng
English: how is it possible Español: cómo es posible
how + possible = expressing disbelief
怎么着 zěnmezhe
English: so what, what about it Español: y qué / qué pasa
how + indicating = challenging response
怎奈 zěnnài
English: but, however, helplessly Español: pero / sin embargo / qué se le va a hacer
how + endure = expressing helplessness
怎的 zěnde
English: why, how come Español: por qué / cómo es que
how + possessive = asking reason
怎料 zěnliào
English: unexpectedly, who would have thought Español: inesperadamente / quién iba a pensar
how + predict = expressing surprise