點解

Why

Level 1Sounds Like dim2 gaai2

點解 (dim2 gaai2) is the primary Cantonese word for 'why' or 'how come'. Formed from 點 (dim2, 'how') + 解 (gaai2, 'explain'), it is placed either at the very beginning of a clause or right after the subject.

How It Works

Meaning and Origin
The expression 點解 (dim2 gaai2) literally means 'how to explain?'. It is the standard everyday Cantonese term for asking reasons, causes, or explanations.

Sentence Placement
In Cantonese, 點解 functions as an adverbial modifier. You can place it either before or after the subject:
• Sentence-initial: 點解你唔食嘢？ (dim2 gaai2 nei5 m4 sik6 je5? - Why aren't you eating?)
• Post-subject: 你點解唔食嘢？ (nei5 dim2 gaai2 m4 sik6 je5? - Why aren't you eating?)

Standalone Usage
You can also use 點解？ (dim2 gaai2?) or 點解呀？ (dim2 gaai2 aa3?) by itself to mean 'Why?' or 'How come?'.

Nuance with Final Particles
While neutral on its own, pairing 點解 with sentence-final particles like 嘅 (ge2) can express surprise or bewilderment, such as in 點解會噉嘅？ (dim2 gaai2 wui5 gam2 ge2? - Why did it turn out like this?).

Common Pitfalls
• Do not confuse 點解 (why) with 點樣 (how / method).
• Avoid using Standard Written Chinese 為什麼 (wai6 sam6 mo1) in spoken Cantonese conversation.

Examples (4)

  1. 你點解咁傷心呀？

    Why are you so sad?

    Word by Word: you why so sad [particle]

    Here, 點解 (dim2 gaai2) comes after the subject 你 (nei5, 'you') to inquire about the reason for an emotion.

  2. 點解你琴日冇返學？

    Why didn't you go to school yesterday?

    Word by Word: why you yesterday did not return school

    Placed at the start of the clause before the subject 你 (nei5, 'you') and time expression 琴日 (kam4 jat6, 'yesterday').

  3. 點解會噉嘅？

    Why is it like this?

    Word by Word: why would like this [particle]

    A common phrase expressing surprise or disbelief at how a situation turned out.

  4. 佢點解唔嚟食飯？

    Why isn't he coming to dinner?

    Word by Word: he why not come eat rice

    Positioned right before the negative verb phrase 唔嚟 (m4 lai4, 'not come').

Common Mistakes

  • Putting 點解 at the end of the sentence.

    Different Meaning你唔想去點解？
    點解你唔想去？

    點解 (dim2 gaai2) normally comes before the verb phrase or clause it asks about. You may hear it after a clause as an afterthought, but in your own sentences start with it.

  • Using Standard Written Chinese 為什麼 (wai6 sam6 mo1) in everyday spoken Cantonese.

    你為甚麼唔嚟？
    你點解唔嚟？

    While 為什麼 is standard in formal written texts, native Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 點解 (dim2 gaai2) when speaking.

  • Confusing 點解 (why) with 點樣 / 點 (how).

    呢部電腦點解用？
    呢部電腦點樣用？

    To ask 'how to do something' (method), use 點樣 (dim2 joeng6-2) or 點 (dim2). Use 點解 (dim2 gaai2) only when asking for a reason ('why').

How It Connects

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點解Level 1Why

Learn This First

To use '點解' (why), you need to understand basic Cantonese word order and the 'wh-in-situ' principle, where question words occupy the same slot as the answer. Familiarity with sentence-final particles like '呀' is also helpful for natural phrasing.

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点解