You might hear your Chinese friends say 干嘛 (gànmá) a lot! It's a really common, informal way to ask 'why' or 'what for.' Think of it as a quicker, more casual alternative to 为什么 (wèishénme).
For example, if someone calls your name, you could say '干嘛?' meaning 'What do you want?' or 'What's up?'
It can also show a bit of impatience or surprise, like if someone is doing something unexpected and you ask '干嘛呢?' (What are you doing?)
You'll often hear it when people are chatting casually, so it's good to recognize it!
You'll hear the word 干嘛 (gànmá) all the time in spoken Chinese. It's a super common way to ask "why?" or "what for?" in a casual way. Think of it like saying "What are you doing?" or "Why are you doing that?" to a friend.
It's generally used when you're a bit surprised, curious, or even slightly annoyed about something someone is doing or planning. For example, if someone is just standing there, you might ask, "你干嘛？" (Nǐ gànmá?) meaning "What are you doing?" or "What's up with you?"
When used as an interrogative adverb, 干嘛 (gànmá) is a versatile, informal way to ask "why" or "what for." It's often used when you're surprised, questioning someone's actions, or feeling a bit impatient. Think of it as a more direct and less formal alternative to 为什么 (wèishénme).
For example, if you see someone doing something unexpected, you might ask, "你干嘛呢？" (Nǐ gànmá ne? – What are you doing/What are you up to?). It can also express slight disapproval or confusion, such as "他干嘛不告诉我？" (Tā gànmá bù gàosù wǒ? – Why didn't he tell me?).
It's generally used in casual conversation and with people you know well. Using it in formal settings might sound too blunt or even rude. Keep in mind that the tone can vary based on context and intonation, from a simple question to an expression of annoyance.
When used as an adverb, 干嘛 (gànmá) is a colloquial and versatile term that expresses 'why' or 'what for.' It's often employed in informal settings to ask about the purpose or reason behind an action, similar to 'Why are you doing that?' or 'What do you want?'
You might hear it in situations where someone is questioning another person's intentions or actions, sometimes with a slight tone of surprise, impatience, or even challenge. For example, if someone is looking around curiously, you might ask, '你干嘛呢？(Nǐ gànmá ne?)' meaning 'What are you doing?' or 'Why are you looking?'
It can also be used to politely decline an offer or express disinterest. For instance, if someone asks you to do something you don't want to do, you could respond with '干嘛呀？(Gànmá ya?)' implying 'Why should I?' or 'What's the point?'
While generally informal, understanding 干嘛 is crucial for grasping everyday Chinese conversations and adding a natural flow to your speech. It’s a common and practical word that you'll frequently encounter in daily interactions.
It means 'why' or 'what for' in casual conversation.
Often used to ask what someone is doing or to express mild exasperation.
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
You've probably heard "干嘛" (gànmá) in Chinese dramas, movies, or even from your Chinese friends. It's a super common and useful word, but it can be a bit tricky because it has a few different uses. Don't worry, we're going to break it down for you simply and practically.
At its core, "干嘛" is a colloquial way of asking "why?" or "what for?". Think of it as a more casual and sometimes slightly impatient version of 为什么 (wèishénme). It's incredibly versatile and you'll hear it in everyday conversations all the time. It's often used when you're curious, slightly annoyed, or just want a quick explanation.
DEFINITION
干嘛 (gànmá): why; what for (colloquial)
Let's look at some common scenarios where "干嘛" is used:
Asking "Why?" or "What are you doing?" in a casual way: This is perhaps the most straightforward use. Someone is doing something, and you want to know their reason or purpose.
你笑干嘛？ (Why are you laughing? / What are you laughing for?)
你跑干嘛？ (Why are you running? / What are you running for?)
Expressing mild annoyance or impatience: Sometimes, "干嘛" carries a slightly exasperated tone, especially if someone is bothering you or doing something unexpected.
你看着我干嘛？ (Why are you looking at me? / What are you looking at me for? - Implies a bit of annoyance.)
你一直按门铃干嘛？ (Why are you constantly ringing the doorbell? / What are you ringing the doorbell for? - Clearly annoyed.)
To ask "What do you want?" or "What's the matter?" when someone approaches you: If someone calls your name or tries to get your attention, you can use "干嘛?" as a short and direct way to ask what they need.
喂，干嘛？ (Hey, what's up? / What do you want?)
你叫我干嘛？ (Why did you call me? / What did you call me for?)
To express that something is unnecessary or pointless: In this context, it often implies a rhetorical question, suggesting that there's no good reason for an action.
你买那么多零食干嘛？我们吃不完。 (Why are you buying so many snacks? We can't finish them.)
现在才打电话干嘛？太晚了。 (Why are you calling now? It's too late.)
You'll notice that "干嘛" often comes at the end of a sentence or directly after the verb in a question. This is a common structure for informal questions in Chinese. The context and your tone of voice will really help in conveying the exact nuance, whether it's pure curiosity or a hint of irritation.
So, when you hear or use "干嘛," remember it's a direct and often colloquial way to ask "why" or "what for," with the potential to express a range of emotions from simple inquiry to mild complaint. Pay attention to how native speakers use it, and you'll quickly get the hang of it!
§ Understanding 干嘛
The Chinese word "干嘛" (gàn má) is a versatile, colloquial adverb that generally means "why" or "what for." It's commonly used in everyday conversations and can express a range of nuances depending on the context and tone. Think of it as a more informal and direct way to ask for reasons or purposes.
DEFINITION
why; what for (colloquial)
While similar to "为什么" (wèi shén me), "干嘛" often carries a slightly stronger or more inquisitive tone, sometimes implying a hint of impatience, annoyance, or even playfulness. It's important to pay attention to how it's said.
§ Basic Usage: Asking "Why?"The most straightforward way to use "干嘛" is to ask "Why?" or "What are you doing?" You can place it directly before the verb or at the end of a sentence.
你干嘛走？ (Nǐ gàn má zǒu?) - Why are you leaving?
你干嘛要这样说？ (Nǐ gàn má yào zhè yàng shuō?) - Why do you have to say it like that?
"干嘛" can also express mild annoyance or disapproval, especially when someone is doing something you don't understand or agree with. In these cases, the tone of voice is crucial.
你干嘛老是迟到？ (Nǐ gàn má lǎo shì chí dào?) - Why are you always late?
他干嘛不告诉我？ (Tā gàn má bù gào sù wǒ?) - Why didn't he tell me?
§ Using 干嘛 to Refuse or Decline
In some contexts, "干嘛" can be used to politely decline an offer or suggestion, implying that there's no need or reason for it.
A: 我们去吃晚饭吧。 B: 干嘛，我刚吃饱。 A: Wǒmen qù chī wǎnfàn ba. (Let's go have dinner.) B: Gàn má, wǒ gāng chī bǎo. (Why? I just ate.)
§ Contrast with 为什么 (Wèi Shén Me)
While both "干嘛" and "为什么" ask "why," their formality and nuance differ significantly.
为什么 (wèi shén me): More formal and standard. Suitable for all contexts, including written Chinese and formal discussions.
干嘛 (gàn má): Colloquial, informal, and often carries a more direct or emotional tone. Best for casual conversations with friends and family.
A: 我辞职了。 B: 干嘛辞职？ / 为什么辞职？ A: Wǒ cízhí le. (I quit my job.) B: Gàn má cízhí? / Wèi shén me cízhí? (Why quit?)
In the example above, both are acceptable, but "干嘛辞职?" sounds more like a spontaneous, surprised reaction, whereas "为什么辞职?" is a more neutral inquiry.
§ Key Takeaways for Using 干嘛
Use "干嘛" in informal, casual settings.
It asks "why" or "what for," often with an implied emotion (curiosity, slight annoyance, playfulness).
Pay close attention to tone of voice when using and hearing "干嘛" to understand its full meaning.
§ What does 干嘛 (gàn má) mean?
Chinese Word
干嘛 (gàn má)
Part of Speech
Adverb
CEFR Level
B2
Definition
Why; what for (colloquial)
§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news
You'll hear 干嘛 (gàn má) all the time in everyday conversations. It's super common and shows up in many situations where you're asking 'why' or 'what for'. It's more casual than using 为什么 (wèi shénme).
At work, you might hear it when someone is questioning a task or asking about the purpose of something.
你下午去办公室干嘛？ (Nǐ xiàwǔ qù bàngōngshì gàn má?) - Why are you going to the office this afternoon?
老板，这个项目我们干嘛要改方案？ (Lǎobǎn, zhège xiàngmù wǒmen gàn má yào gǎi fāng'àn?) - Boss, why do we need to change the plan for this project?
In school, students use it to question assignments, activities, or even each other's actions.
老师，我们干嘛要背这么多单词？ (Lǎoshī, wǒmen gàn má yào bèi zhème duō dāncí?) - Teacher, why do we have to memorize so many words?
你下课后不回家，干嘛去图书馆？ (Nǐ xiàkè hòu bù huí jiā, gàn má qù túshūguǎn?) - You're not going home after class, what for (why) are you going to the library?
You might also hear it in news reports or interviews when a reporter is asking about the motive behind an action, although in formal news, 为什么 (wèi shénme) is more common. However, in more conversational interviews or talk shows, 干嘛 (gàn má) can pop up.
一些人会问，他们干嘛要这样做？ (Yīxiē rén huì wèn, tāmen gàn má yào zhèyàng zuò?) - Some people might ask, why did they do this?
It can also be used to ask what someone is doing, often with a hint of curiosity or mild annoyance.
你站在那里干嘛？ (Nǐ zhàn zài nàlǐ gàn má?) - What are you doing standing there?
When you hear 干嘛 (gàn má) in spoken Chinese, pay attention to the context and the speaker's tone. It will give you a lot of clues about their feelings. Are they genuinely curious, slightly irritated, or just asking a direct question in a casual way?
When someone asks you 你干嘛 (nǐ gàn má?), it could be a straightforward 'What are you doing?' or 'What do you want?'
If it's followed by a verb, it usually means 'Why are you [verb]-ing?'
Practice using it yourself to sound more natural. Don't be afraid to experiment, but start in casual settings with people you know well.
Guide de prononciation
UK/kʌnˈmɑː/
US/kɑːnˈmɑː/
mɑː
Rime avec
bahbracha
Erreurs fréquentes
kanma
Niveau de difficulté
Lecture1/5
short
Écriture1/5
short
Expression orale1/5
short
Écoute1/5
short
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
什么 (shén me)为什么 (wèi shén me)
Apprends ensuite
怎么了 (zěn me le)怎么样 (zěn me yàng)
Avancé
搞什么 (gǎo shén me)作甚 (zuò shèn)
Grammaire à connaître
干嘛 can be used at the beginning of a question to ask 'why' or 'what for'. It often implies a slight impatience or surprise.
你干嘛还没出门？(Why haven't you left yet?)
干嘛 can be used after a verb to ask 'what are you doing (that for)?' or 'what's the point of (doing that)?'
你干嘛看我？(Why are you looking at me?)
When used in a statement, 干嘛 can express that something is unnecessary or pointless. In this case, it often means 'there's no need to' or 'why bother'.
你干嘛那么担心？没什么大不了的。(Why are you so worried? It's no big deal.)
干嘛 can also be used as a short, direct question meaning 'What do you want?' or 'What's the matter?' when someone is addressing you.
干嘛？有事吗？(What? Is something wrong?)
Avoid using 干嘛 in very formal situations, as it is quite colloquial. For formal contexts, consider using 为什么 (wèishénme).
请问您为什么迟到？ (Excuse me, why are you late? - Formal)
Exemples par niveau
1
你干嘛去？
Why are you going?
2
他干嘛不来？
Why isn't he coming?
3
你干嘛笑？
Why are you laughing?
4
她干嘛买这么多东西？
Why is she buying so many things?
5
你干嘛问这个？
Why are you asking this?
6
他们干嘛不吃饭？
Why aren't they eating?
7
你干嘛站着？
Why are you standing?
8
他干嘛哭了？
Why is he crying?
1
你干嘛呢？
What are you doing?
干嘛 is used colloquially in place of '做什么'.
2
你干嘛去？
Where are you going? / What are you going for?
干嘛 is used colloquially in place of '去做什么'.
3
你干嘛不告诉我？
Why didn't you tell me?
干嘛 is used colloquially in place of '为什么'.
4
他干嘛生气？
Why is he angry?
干嘛 is used colloquially in place of '为什么'.
5
你干嘛买这么多东西？
Why did you buy so many things?
干嘛 is used colloquially in place of '为什么'.
6
你干嘛哭啊？
Why are you crying?
干嘛 is used colloquially in place of '为什么'.
7
你干嘛站在这里？
Why are you standing here?
干嘛 is used colloquially in place of '为什么'.
8
你干嘛突然走了？
Why did you suddenly leave?
干嘛 is used colloquially in place of '为什么'.
1
你干嘛呢？
What are you doing?
干嘛 is often used to ask 'what are you doing?' or 'what's up?'
2
你干嘛打我？
Why did you hit me?
干嘛 can express surprise or displeasure when asking 'why?'
3
他干嘛还不来？
Why isn't he here yet?
Used to ask 'why' something hasn't happened.
4
我们干嘛要听他的？
Why should we listen to him?
Expresses questioning the reason or necessity of an action.
5
你干嘛不告诉我？
Why didn't you tell me?
Often implies a sense of reproach or disappointment.
6
周末你干嘛？
What are you doing this weekend?
A casual way to ask about plans or activities.
7
他干嘛去？
Where is he going? / What is he going to do?
Can be used to ask about someone's destination or purpose.
8
你干嘛那么生气？
Why are you so angry?
Asks for the reason behind an emotion or state.
1
你干嘛这样看着我？
Why are you looking at me like that?
2
你干嘛不去？
Why don't you go?
3
你干嘛不告诉我？
Why didn't you tell me?
4
你干嘛那么生气？
Why are you so angry?
5
你干嘛把门打开了？
Why did you open the door?
6
你干嘛动我的东西？
Why are you touching my things?
7
你干嘛一个人待在这里？
Why are you staying here alone?
8
你干嘛不吃早饭？
Why aren't you eating breakfast?
1
你干嘛这样看着我？
Why are you looking at me like that?
2
大半夜的，你干嘛不睡觉跑出来？
In the middle of the night, why aren't you sleeping and running out?
3
他们干嘛突然取消了会议？
Why did they suddenly cancel the meeting?
4
你干嘛总是不听我的话？
Why do you always not listen to me?
5
我只是开个玩笑，你干嘛这么认真？
I was just joking, why are you so serious?
6
你干嘛要和她吵架？
Why do you have to argue with her?
7
他今天心情不好，你干嘛去惹他？
He's in a bad mood today, why did you go and bother him?
8
你干嘛不告诉我真相？
Why didn't you tell me the truth?
Collocations courantes
你干嘛？What are you doing? / What's wrong with you?
干嘛去？Where are you going? / What are you going to do?
你干嘛这么做？Why are you doing this?
我干嘛要听你的？Why should I listen to you?
他干嘛不来？Why isn't he coming?
这干嘛用的？What is this for?
你干嘛问这个？Why are you asking this?
没事干嘛？What are you doing if you have nothing to do? / Why are you bothering me?
你干嘛这样说？Why do you say it like that?
干嘛那么着急？Why are you in such a hurry?
Phrases Courantes
你干嘛不告诉我？
Why didn't you tell me?
我不知道你干嘛。
I don't know what you're doing.
你干嘛老是迟到？
Why are you always late?
他干嘛总是抱怨？
Why is he always complaining?
你干嘛一个人待着？
Why are you staying by yourself?
我干嘛要帮你？
Why should I help you?
你干嘛这么生气？
Why are you so angry?
我们干嘛不一起去？
Why don't we go together?
你干嘛非要这样做？
Why do you insist on doing this?
他干嘛突然走了？
Why did he suddenly leave?
Souvent confondu avec
干嘛vs为什么 (wèi shén me)
The most common and standard way to ask 'why'. More formal and neutral than '干嘛'.
干嘛vs做什么 (zuò shén me)
Literally 'do what'. Used to ask about actions without the added emotional nuance often present in '干嘛'.
干嘛vs怎么了 (zěn me le)
Means 'what's wrong?' or 'what happened?'. Focuses on the state of affairs or a problem, whereas '干嘛' often questions the *reason* for someone's actions or demeanor.
Modèles grammaticaux
干嘛 is often used at the beginning of a question, similar to 'why' or 'what for' in English.
It can precede a verb, an adjective, or a full sentence.
The tone of voice is crucial when using 干嘛; it can convey anything from mild curiosity to strong displeasure.
It is more informal and direct than 为什么 (wèi shén me).
干嘛 can be used as a rhetorical question, implying that the action is unnecessary or inappropriate.
It can be followed by particles like 呢 (ne) to soften the tone or add emphasis.
Expressions idiomatiques
"你干嘛呢？"
What are you doing?
你干嘛呢？这么晚了还不睡觉？(What are you doing? It's so late and you're not sleeping yet?)
informal
"干嘛不…？"
Why not...?
外面天气这么好，我们干嘛不去公园走走？(The weather is so nice outside, why don't we go for a walk in the park?)
informal
"你干嘛这样说？"
Why do you say that?
你干嘛这样说？我只是想帮你。(Why do you say that? I just want to help you.)
informal
"他干嘛去了？"
Where did he go?
他干嘛去了？我找他半天了。(Where did he go? I've been looking for him for a long time.)
informal
"你干嘛那么生气？"
Why are you so angry?
你干嘛那么生气？冷静一点。(Why are you so angry? Calm down a bit.)
informal
"干嘛要这样？"
Why does it have to be like this?
干嘛要这样？我们不能和平解决吗？(Why does it have to be like this? Can't we resolve it peacefully?)
informal
"我干嘛要听你的？"
Why should I listen to you?
我干嘛要听你的？我有自己的想法。(Why should I listen to you? I have my own ideas.)
informal
"干嘛非要他去？"
Why must he go?
干嘛非要他去？别人也可以做。(Why must he go? Others can also do it.)
informal
"你干嘛总是迟到？"
Why are you always late?
你干嘛总是迟到？这样不好。(Why are you always late? That's not good.)
informal
"干嘛不早说？"
Why didn't you say so earlier?
干嘛不早说？我白等了这么久。(Why didn't you say so earlier? I waited in vain for so long.)
informal
Facile à confondre
干嘛vs为啥 (wèi shá)
Both '为啥' and '干嘛' can be translated as 'why'.
'为啥' is a more neutral and straightforward way to ask 'why', similar to '为什么'. '干嘛' often carries a nuance of surprise, dissatisfaction, or a demand for an explanation, especially when someone is doing something you find unnecessary or annoying. It can also mean 'what are you doing?' or 'what's the matter?'.
你为啥不告诉我？ (Nǐ wèi shá bù gào sù wǒ?) – Why didn't you tell me? vs. 你干嘛不告诉我？ (Nǐ gàn má bù gào sù wǒ?) – Why on earth didn't you tell me? (implies annoyance/surprise)
干嘛vs为什么 (wèi shén me)
Both '为什么' and '干嘛' mean 'why'.
'为什么' is the most standard and formal way to ask 'why'. '干嘛' is much more colloquial and can also imply 'what are you doing?' or 'what for?'. It often has a more informal or even slightly impolite tone if used in formal settings.
你为什么迟到了？ (Nǐ wèi shén me chí dào le?) – Why are you late? vs. 你干嘛迟到了？ (Nǐ gàn má chí dào le?) – Why are you late? (implies a hint of impatience/annoyance)
干嘛vs做什么 (zuò shén me)
When '干嘛' is used to ask 'what are you doing?', it can be confused with '做什么'.
'做什么' directly asks 'what are you doing?' or 'what to do?'. '干嘛' in this context can carry a nuance of questioning the purpose or legitimacy of the action, often with a hint of disapproval or curiosity. It's more about 'what for?' or 'why are you doing that?'.
你现在做什么？ (Nǐ xiàn zài zuò shén me?) – What are you doing now? vs. 你干嘛呢？ (Nǐ gàn má ne?) – What are you doing? (can imply 'what's the point?' or 'what's going on with you?')
干嘛vs怎么了 (zěn me le)
When '干嘛' means 'what's wrong?' or 'what's the matter?', it can be confused with '怎么了'.
'怎么了' is a general way to ask 'what happened?' or 'what's wrong?'. '干嘛' in this sense often implies a direct question about someone's behavior or expression, often when you perceive something unusual or bothering them, with a more direct or even slightly confrontational tone.
你怎么了？看起来不高兴。 (Nǐ zěn me le? Kàn qǐ lái bù gāo xìng.) – What's wrong with you? You look unhappy. vs. 你干嘛？ (Nǐ gàn má?) – What's wrong with you? (can be more direct or even slightly challenging, like 'what's your problem?')
干嘛vs干什么 (gàn shén me)
Both '干嘛' and '干什么' can mean 'what are you doing?' or 'what for?'.
'干什么' is a very common and versatile phrase meaning 'what are you doing?', 'what to do?', or 'what for?'. It's generally more neutral than '干嘛'. '干嘛' often carries a stronger emotional tone, such as impatience, annoyance, or a demand for justification.
你干什么去了？ (Nǐ gàn shén me qù le?) – What did you go to do? vs. 你干嘛去了？ (Nǐ gàn má qù le?) – Why did you go? (implies questioning the reason)
Structures de phrases
A2
干嘛 + Verb?
你干嘛去？ (Nǐ gàn má qù?) - Why are you going? (What for are you going?)
B1
你干嘛 + Verb + Object?
你干嘛不告诉我？ (Nǐ gàn má bù gào sù wǒ?) - Why didn't you tell me? (What for didn't you tell me?)
B1
干嘛 + Adjective?
你干嘛那么生气？ (Nǐ gàn má nà me shēng qì?) - Why are you so angry? (What for are you so angry?)
B2
A 干嘛 B?
他干嘛突然走了？ (Tā gàn má tū rán zǒu le?) - Why did he suddenly leave? (What for did he suddenly leave?)
B2
干嘛 + Sentence (expressing surprise/disapproval)?
干嘛这么大声说话？ (Gàn má zhè me dà shēng shuō huà?) - Why are you talking so loudly? (What for are you talking so loudly?)
你干嘛总是迟到？ (Nǐ gàn má zǒng shì chí dào?) - Why are you always late? (What for are you always late?)
B2
干嘛 + Verb + 呢?
你干嘛一直看着我呢？ (Nǐ gàn má yì zhí kàn zhe wǒ ne?) - Why are you staring at me? (What for are you staring at me?)
B2
干嘛 + 是 + 什么?
你干嘛是这个态度？ (Nǐ gàn má shì zhè ge tài dù?) - Why do you have this attitude? (What for is this attitude of yours?)
Comment l'utiliser
When 干嘛 is used as an interrogative adverb, it can substitute for 为什么 (wèishénme). It is more colloquial and can sometimes carry a tone of impatience or annoyance, similar to "What for?" or "Why on earth?" in English. For example, if someone asks you to do something and you're annoyed, you might respond with "干嘛？" meaning "Why?" or "What do you want?".
Erreurs courantes
A common mistake is using 干嘛 in formal contexts. It's best reserved for informal conversations with friends or family. Another mistake is using it without considering the nuance of impatience or annoyance it can carry. If you simply want to ask "Why?" in a neutral way, 为什么 is generally a safer and more polite choice. Do not confuse 干嘛 with 干什么 (gàn shénme), which means "to do what?" and asks about the action itself, rather than the reason for the action.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of '干嘛' as '**G**et **A**n **M**ore **A**nswer.' When you use it, you're looking for an answer, often with a slightly questioning or even impatient tone, like 'Why are you doing that?'
Association visuelle
Imagine a person standing with hands on their hips, looking puzzled or slightly annoyed, asking '干嘛?' The two characters themselves look a bit like someone shrugging their shoulders and raising an eyebrow. '干' (gàn) can mean 'to do,' and '嘛' (má) adds a questioning, informal tone, almost like 'ma' in 'what's up, ma?'
Word Web
为什么 (wèi shén me) - why (more formal)干什么 (gàn shén me) - what are you doing / what for (similar, but can also mean 'to do what')做什么 (zuò shén me) - to do what (similar to 干什么)怎么了 (zěn me le) - what's wrong / what happened原因 (yuán yīn) - reason
Défi
Try using '干嘛' in a real conversation or by talking to yourself. For example, if you see someone doing something unexpected, ask yourself: '他干嘛那样做？' (Tā gàn má nàyàng zuò? - Why is he doing it that way?). Or if someone asks you to do something, and you're unsure why, you can think: '我干嘛要这么做？' (Wǒ gàn má yào zhè me zuò? - Why should I do this?).
Questions fréquentes
10 questions
You can use 干嘛 to ask 'why' or 'what for' in a casual, conversational way. It's very common in spoken Chinese, but less so in formal writing. Think of it like saying 'What are you doing that for?' or 'Why are you doing that?' in English.
干嘛 can be perfectly polite, but its politeness depends a lot on your tone of voice and the context. If you say it with a harsh or demanding tone, it can sound impatient or rude. If you say it gently, it's just a casual question. So, pay attention to your delivery!
Yes, you can often use 为什么 instead of 干嘛, but they aren't always interchangeable. 为什么 is more neutral and can be used in almost any context, formal or informal. 干嘛 is specifically for informal, conversational settings and often carries a slightly more inquisitive or even challenging tone, like 'What's the big idea?' or 'What do you want?'
干嘛 usually asks 'why' or 'what for', often implying a reason or purpose behind an action. 做什么 literally means 'do what' and asks about the specific action itself. For example, if someone is staring at you, you might ask '你干嘛？' (What are you staring at me for? / Why are you doing that?) rather than '你做什么？' (What are you doing?), which would sound like you don't know what they are physically doing.
Yes, 干嘛 can sometimes be used to ask 'what' or 'what's up', especially when someone calls out to you or approaches you. For example, if someone says your name, you might reply with '干嘛？' (What is it? / What do you want?). It's a very direct and informal way to ask what the person wants.
Using 干嘛 with strangers can be tricky. In some situations, like if a stranger is blocking your way, you might use it in a slightly impatient tone, '你干嘛呢？' (What are you doing?). But generally, it's safer to use more neutral phrases like '请问' (excuse me) or 为什么 when interacting with people you don't know well, to avoid sounding impolite.
You can say 'Why not?' using 干嘛不. For example, if someone suggests going to a movie, you could respond with '干嘛不去？' (Why not go?). It's a very natural and common way to express 'why not' in a casual setting.
Yes, absolutely! 干嘛 can be used to express surprise, bewilderment, or even a bit of playful exasperation. For example, if someone does something unexpected or silly, you might exclaim '你干嘛呀？！' (What on earth are you doing?!). The '呀' softens it a bit and adds to the playful tone.
干嘛 is very informal and conversational. 为何 is much more formal and literary, almost poetic. You would see 为何 in written texts, speeches, or very formal discussions, but rarely in everyday conversation. Stick to 干嘛 or 为什么 for daily use.
干嘛 is widely understood and used across different Mandarin-speaking regions. While specific intonations or slight nuances might vary regionally, the core meaning and usage as an informal 'why' or 'what for' remain consistent. So, you can use it confidently wherever Mandarin is spoken.
Teste-toi
138 questions
fill blank
A1
你___去哪里？ (Nǐ ___ qù nǎlǐ?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
干嘛 is used here to ask 'why' or 'what for' in a colloquial way. The sentence means 'Why are you going there?'
fill blank
A1
他___不吃饭？ (Tā ___ bù chīfàn?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
干嘛 fits here to ask 'why' he isn't eating. The sentence means 'Why isn't he eating?'
fill blank
A1
你___看我？ (Nǐ ___ kàn wǒ?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
干嘛 is used to ask 'why' someone is looking at you. The sentence means 'Why are you looking at me?'
fill blank
A1
她___买这么多衣服？ (Tā ___ mǎi zhème duō yīfu?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
干嘛 is used to inquire about the reason for buying so many clothes. The sentence means 'Why is she buying so many clothes?'
fill blank
A1
你___不高兴？ (Nǐ ___ bù gāoxìng?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
干嘛 is used here to ask 'why' someone is unhappy. The sentence means 'Why are you unhappy?'
fill blank
A1
他们___不来？ (Tāmen ___ bù lái?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
干嘛 is used to ask 'why' they are not coming. The sentence means 'Why are they not coming?'
multiple choice
A1
Choose the best translation for '你干嘛？'
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : What are you doing?
In this context, '干嘛' is used to ask 'what' someone is doing.
multiple choice
A1
Which sentence uses '干嘛' correctly to ask 'why'?
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛不吃饭？ (Why don't you eat?)
'干嘛' is often used to express 'why' in a direct, colloquial way.
multiple choice
A1
If someone says '你干嘛哭？', what are they asking?
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : What are you crying for?
'干嘛哭' directly asks 'why cry' or 'what for are you crying'.
true false
A1
'干嘛' can be used to ask 'what' someone is doing.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vrai
Yes, '你干嘛？' can mean 'What are you doing?'
true false
A1
'干嘛' is a formal way to ask 'why'.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux
'干嘛' is colloquial and informal, not formal.
true false
A1
The sentence '你干嘛去学校？' asks 'Why are you going to school?'.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vrai
Yes, '干嘛去' means 'why go'.
listening
A1
Someone is asking why you are not eating.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛不吃饭？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening
A1
Someone is asking why he is going to Beijing.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 他干嘛去北京？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening
A1
Someone is asking why you said that.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛这么说？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
A1
Read this aloud:
你干嘛看我？
Focus: ma
Tu as dit :
AI is analyzing your pronunciation...
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
A1
Read this aloud:
你干嘛不高兴？
Focus: bù gāoxìng
Tu as dit :
AI is analyzing your pronunciation...
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
A1
Read this aloud:
他们干嘛走了？
Focus: zǒule
Tu as dit :
AI is analyzing your pronunciation...
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
sentence order
A1
Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你 干嘛 去？
This is a common way to ask 'Why are you going?' or 'What are you going to do?' in a casual setting.
sentence order
A1
Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 他 干嘛 不 说？
This means 'Why doesn't he say anything?' or 'What's he not saying?'
sentence order
A1
Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你 干嘛 那么 生气？
This translates to 'Why are you so angry?' It's a casual way to inquire about someone's emotional state.
fill blank
A2
你___去？(Nǐ ___ qù?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
干嘛 (gànmá) means 'why' or 'what for' in a colloquial sense, fitting the question 'Why are you going?'
fill blank
A2
她不开心，你问她___？(Tā bù kāixīn, nǐ wèn tā ___?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
干嘛 (gànmá) is used here to ask 'What's wrong with her?' or 'Why is she unhappy?'
fill blank
A2
你___不吃饭？(Nǐ ___ bù chī fàn?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
干嘛 (gànmá) works well to ask 'Why aren't you eating?'
fill blank
A2
他一直看着你，你觉得他___？(Tā yīzhí kànzhe nǐ, nǐ juéde tā ___?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
Here, 干嘛 (gànmá) is used to ask 'What is he doing?' or 'What does he want?' in a curious way.
fill blank
A2
你___突然走了？(Nǐ ___ tūrán zǒule?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
干嘛 (gànmá) fits to ask 'Why did you suddenly leave?'
fill blank
A2
这么晚了，你还___出去？(Zhème wǎnle, nǐ hái ___ chūqù?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
干嘛 (gànmá) is used to express a slight surprise or question 'Why are you still going out so late?'
multiple choice
A2
Choose the correct question using 干嘛 (gànmá):
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛呢？ (Nǐ gànmá ne?)
干嘛 (gànmá) means 'what for' or 'why'. '你干嘛呢？' (Nǐ gànmá ne?) means 'What are you doing?' which is a common usage.
multiple choice
A2
Which sentence correctly uses 干嘛 (gànmá) to ask 'why'?
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛吃这个？ (Nǐ gànmá chī zhège?)
干嘛 (gànmá) is used to ask 'why' in an informal context. '你干嘛吃这个？' (Nǐ gànmá chī zhège?) means 'Why are you eating this?'
multiple choice
A2
Select the sentence where 干嘛 (gànmá) asks 'what for'.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛买这么多东西？ (Nǐ gànmá mǎi zhè me duō dōngxī?)
In this context, '你干嘛买这么多东西？' (Nǐ gànmá mǎi zhè me duō dōngxī?) means 'What for did you buy so many things?'
true false
A2
“你干嘛不来？” (Nǐ gànmá bù lái?) means “Why don't you come?”
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vrai
干嘛 (gànmá) is used here to ask 'why' in a casual way.
true false
A2
“她干嘛？” (Tā gànmá?) can mean “What is she doing?”
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vrai
In colloquial Chinese, 干嘛 (gànmá) can be used to ask 'what are you doing' or 'what is he/she doing'.
true false
A2
“我干嘛帮你？” (Wǒ gànmá bāng nǐ?) means “I don't want to help you.”
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux
“我干嘛帮你？” (Wǒ gànmá bāng nǐ?) means 'Why should I help you?' It's a rhetorical question asking for a reason, not a direct refusal.
listening
A2
Listen to the question asking 'why' someone is unhappy.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛不高兴？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening
A2
Listen to the question asking 'why' he wants to leave.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 他干嘛要走？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening
A2
Listen to the question asking 'why' you are saying it this way.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛这样说？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
A2
Read this aloud:
你干嘛不吃饭？
Focus: gàn má
Tu as dit :
AI is analyzing your pronunciation...
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
A2
Read this aloud:
你干嘛那么晚才来？
Focus: gàn má
Tu as dit :
AI is analyzing your pronunciation...
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
A2
Read this aloud:
他干嘛要去北京？
Focus: gàn má
Tu as dit :
AI is analyzing your pronunciation...
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing
A2
Write a short sentence asking 'Why are you learning Chinese?' using 干嘛.
Well written!Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你干嘛学中文？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing
A2
Form a question asking 'What are you doing?' or 'What for?' using 干嘛 when someone is acting strangely.
Well written!Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你干嘛？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing
A2
Complete the sentence: '他干嘛不_____？' (He why not ____?) asking why he isn't sleeping.
Well written!Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
他干嘛不睡觉？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
reading
A2
Why is Xiao Ming asking Xiao Hong '你干嘛哭？'?
Read this passage:
小明看到小红在哭。小明问：'你干嘛哭？' 小红说：'我很难过。'
Why is Xiao Ming asking Xiao Hong '你干嘛哭？'?
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Because Xiao Hong is crying.
小明看到小红在哭，所以问她为什么哭。
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Because Xiao Hong is crying.
小明看到小红在哭，所以问她为什么哭。
reading
A2
What is the teacher asking Xiao Wang?
Read this passage:
老师看到小王没有写作业。老师问：'你干嘛不写作业？' 小王说：'我忘了。'
What is the teacher asking Xiao Wang?
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Why didn't you write your homework?
老师问小王为什么不写作业，因为他没有写。
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Why didn't you write your homework?
老师问小王为什么不写作业，因为他没有写。
reading
A2
Which of the following would be a logical answer to the friend's question?
Read this passage:
朋友看到你买了好多新衣服。朋友问你：'你干嘛买这么多衣服？' 你可以怎么回答？
Which of the following would be a logical answer to the friend's question?
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 我喜欢这些衣服。
朋友问你为什么要买这么多衣服，回答喜欢这些衣服是合理的。
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 我喜欢这些衣服。
朋友问你为什么要买这么多衣服，回答喜欢这些衣服是合理的。
sentence order
A2
Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你 干嘛 去？
This is a common colloquial way to ask 'Why are you going?' or 'What are you going for?'
sentence order
A2
Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 他 干嘛 不 说？
This means 'Why doesn't he say?' or 'What's he not saying for?'
sentence order
A2
Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你 干嘛 不 吃饭？
This translates to 'Why aren't you eating?' or 'What are you not eating for?'
multiple choice
B1
Choose the best translation for “你干嘛呢？” (Nǐ gànmá ne?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : What are you doing?
干嘛 (gànmá) here means 'what for' or 'what are you doing'.
multiple choice
B1
Which sentence uses 干嘛 (gànmá) to ask 'why'?
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛不告诉我？ (Nǐ gànmá bù gàosù wǒ?)
In this context, 干嘛 (gànmá) directly asks 'why' you didn't tell me.
multiple choice
B1
Which of these is the most polite way to ask someone 'What are you doing?' using 干嘛 (gànmá)?
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛呢？ (Nǐ gànmá ne?)
Adding 呢 (ne) makes the question sound softer and more natural, reducing a potentially abrupt tone.
true false
B1
The phrase '你干嘛' (Nǐ gànmá) can sometimes imply annoyance or impatience.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vrai
While it can be a neutral question, depending on tone and context, '你干嘛' can express annoyance, similar to 'What are you doing?!' in English.
true false
B1
干嘛 (gànmá) is generally used in formal writing.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux
干嘛 (gànmá) is a colloquial term and is not typically used in formal written Chinese. It's best suited for spoken language.
true false
B1
You can replace '为什么' (wèishénme - why) with '干嘛' (gànmá) in all sentences without changing the meaning or tone.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux
While both can mean 'why,' '干嘛' (gànmá) is much more colloquial and can carry a different nuance, sometimes implying mild surprise or even disapproval, which '为什么' (wèishénme) does not.
listening
B1
Someone is asking why they weren't told something.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛不告诉我？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening
B1
Someone is asking why another person is still awake late at night.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 这么晚了，你干嘛还不睡觉？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening
B1
Someone is asking why another person is staring at them.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛一直看着我？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
B1
Read this aloud:
你干嘛不吃饭？
Focus: 干嘛 (gàn má)
Tu as dit :
AI is analyzing your pronunciation...
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
B1
Read this aloud:
他干嘛要去那里？
Focus: 干嘛 (gàn má)
Tu as dit :
AI is analyzing your pronunciation...
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
B1
Read this aloud:
你干嘛笑？
Focus: 干嘛 (gàn má)
Tu as dit :
AI is analyzing your pronunciation...
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing
B1
Your friend is always late. Write a short sentence asking them why they are always late, using 干嘛.
Well written!Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你干嘛总是迟到？(Why are you always late?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing
B1
You see someone looking very confused. Write a simple question asking 'What are you doing?' using 干嘛.
Well written!Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你干嘛呢？(What are you doing?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing
B1
Imagine your sibling borrowed your favorite pen without asking. Write a sentence expressing mild annoyance and asking 'What did you take my pen for?' using 干嘛.
Well written!Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你干嘛拿我的笔？(What did you take my pen for?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
reading
B1
老师想知道什么？
Read this passage:
小王今天没有来上课。老师问小李：'小王干嘛没来？' 小李说：'他生病了。'
老师想知道什么？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 小王为什么没来上课？(Why didn't Xiao Wang come to class?)
干嘛 (gànmá) is a colloquial way to say 'why' or 'what for'. It implies a slight impatience or exasperation, fitting the tone of asking someone why they are always late.
fill blank
B2
你___站在这里？(You ___ standing here?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
In this context, 干嘛 (gànmá) functions as 'what for' or 'why', asking about the purpose of someone standing there, often with a hint of curiosity or mild questioning.
fill blank
B2
你___不吃饭？ (You ___ not eating?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
Using 干嘛 (gànmá) here conveys a more informal and direct 'why' or 'what's the matter, why aren't you eating?', suitable for a casual conversation.
fill blank
B2
他___一直盯着我看？(He ___ keeps staring at me?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
干嘛 (gànmá) is used here to ask 'why' or 'what for' with a slightly annoyed or puzzled tone, common when someone is staring.
fill blank
B2
你___那么生气？ (You ___ so angry?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
Here, 干嘛 (gànmá) serves as a colloquial 'why' to ask the reason for someone's anger, often with a sympathetic or questioning undertone.
fill blank
B2
你___把灯关了？ (You ___ turned off the light?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 干嘛
干嘛 (gànmá) is used to inquire 'why' or 'what for' in a situation where an action has been taken, like turning off a light, suggesting a need for clarification or a mild complaint.
listening
B2
Why didn't you tell me the truth?
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛不告诉我真相？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening
B2
Why did he suddenly resign?
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 他干嘛突然辞职了？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening
B2
Where are you going so late?
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你这么晚了干嘛去？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
B2
Read this aloud:
你干嘛一直盯着我看？
Focus: 盯着 (dīngzhe)
Tu as dit :
AI is analyzing your pronunciation...
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
B2
Read this aloud:
我干嘛要听你的？
Focus: 要听 (yàotīng)
Tu as dit :
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Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
B2
Read this aloud:
你干嘛买这么多东西？
Focus: 这么多 (zhème duō)
Tu as dit :
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Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing
B2
You see your friend looking frustrated while trying to fix their computer. Ask them what's wrong using 干嘛. Write the question in Chinese.
Well written!Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你干嘛呢？你的电脑怎么了？(What are you doing? What's wrong with your computer?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing
B2
Your roommate is constantly on their phone and ignoring you. Express your annoyance and ask them why they are always on their phone using 干嘛. Write the sentence in Chinese.
Well written!Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你老是玩手机干嘛？(Why are you always on your phone?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing
B2
Someone is knocking on your door very loudly and repeatedly. You're annoyed. Write a sentence asking 'What do you want?' or 'Why are you doing that?' using 干嘛. Make it sound a bit impatient.
Well written!Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
大半夜的，你干嘛呢？(In the middle of the night, what are you doing?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
reading
B2
小明问小红“你干嘛呢？”的目的是什么？ (What was the purpose of Xiao Ming asking Xiao Hong “你干嘛呢？”?)
朋友问小李“你干嘛呢？”主要想知道什么？ (What did the friend mainly want to know when asking Xiao Li “你干嘛呢?”?)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 小李为什么不回复信息 (Why Xiao Li didn't reply to messages)
朋友约小李出去玩，但是小李一直不回复信息，所以朋友问他“你干嘛呢？”来了解情况。 (The friend invited Xiao Li out, but Xiao Li didn't reply to messages, so the friend asked “你干嘛呢?” to understand the situation.)
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 小李为什么不回复信息 (Why Xiao Li didn't reply to messages)
朋友约小李出去玩，但是小李一直不回复信息，所以朋友问他“你干嘛呢？”来了解情况。 (The friend invited Xiao Li out, but Xiao Li didn't reply to messages, so the friend asked “你干嘛呢?” to understand the situation.)
multiple choice
C1
Choose the most appropriate response using “干嘛” in a casual, slightly inquisitive context.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛一直盯着我看？ (Why are you staring at me?)
“干嘛” is often used to express a slight surprise or mild annoyance, fitting the context of being stared at. The other options are valid uses but don't quite capture the subtle nuance of this particular usage as well.
multiple choice
C1
Which of the following sentences uses “干嘛” to express a sense of 'what for' or 'what's the point'?
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 我们干嘛要听他的？ (Why should we listen to him?)
In this context, “干嘛” implies questioning the necessity or reason for an action, aligning with 'what's the point' or 'what for'.
multiple choice
C1
Select the sentence where “干嘛” indicates a rhetorical question, implying there's no good reason for the action.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛把事情弄得这么复杂？ (Why do you make things so complicated?)
This sentence uses “干嘛” to suggest that making things complicated is unnecessary and there's no good reason for it, characteristic of a rhetorical question.
true false
C1
The sentence “你干嘛不高兴？” (Why are you unhappy?) uses “干嘛” to inquire about the reason for someone's state, similar to 'why'.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vrai
In this case, “干嘛” functions directly as 'why', asking for the cause of unhappiness.
true false
C1
In the phrase “他干嘛去了？” (Where did he go?), “干嘛” is used to ask 'what for' or 'for what purpose'.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux
When used with '去了' or '来', “干嘛” often implies 'where did someone go' or 'what is someone doing', not 'what for' in this specific structure.
true false
C1
When someone says “你干嘛呢？” (What are you doing?), it's a casual way of asking 'what are you up to?'.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vrai
This is a common colloquial usage of “干嘛” to inquire about someone's current activity in a friendly or curious manner.
listening
C1
Why didn't you tell me the truth?
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛不告诉我真相？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening
C1
Why did he suddenly resign?
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 他干嘛突然辞职？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening
C1
It's late at night, why aren't you sleeping?
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 大半夜的，你干嘛还不睡觉？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
C1
Read this aloud:
你干嘛这么着急？
Focus: gan ma
Tu as dit :
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Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
C1
Read this aloud:
我干嘛要听你的？
Focus: gan ma yao
Tu as dit :
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Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
C1
Read this aloud:
你干嘛老是玩手机？
Focus: gan ma lao shi
Tu as dit :
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Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing
C1
You see someone looking lost and confused while staring at a map. Write a short dialogue (2-3 sentences) where you ask them what they are doing in a colloquial way, and they explain their situation. Use 干嘛.
Well written!Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你干嘛呢？看起来有点迷茫。 / 我迷路了，正在找地铁站。
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing
C1
Your friend is procrastinating instead of studying for an important exam. Write a short message (2-3 sentences) to them asking what they are doing and urging them to study. Use 干嘛.
Well written!Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你干嘛呢？考试快到了，还不快去复习！
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing
C1
You see your colleague spending a lot of time on their phone during working hours. Write a short internal memo (2-3 sentences) to them, politely inquiring about their activity and reminding them of work priorities. Use 干嘛.
Well written!Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Why did you provoke her when she was fine?
干嘛 (gànmá) here means 'why' or 'what for', expressing disapproval or confusion. 好端端 (hǎoduānduān) means 'in perfectly good condition' or 'fine'. 惹 (rě) means 'to provoke' or 'to annoy'.
multiple choice
C2
你大半夜不睡觉，跑出来干嘛？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Why are you running out in the middle of the night instead of sleeping?
干嘛 (gànmá) functions as 'why' or 'what for' in this rhetorical question, implying a sense of bewilderment or disapproval. 大半夜 (dàbànyè) refers to 'the middle of the night'. 跑出来 (pǎochūlai) means 'to run out'.
multiple choice
C2
既然你都知道了，干嘛不早说？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Since you already know, why don't you say it earlier?
干嘛 (gànmá) here conveys 'why' or 'what for', expressing mild reproach or surprise. 既然 (jìrán) means 'since' or 'given that'. 早说 (zǎoshuō) means 'to say it earlier'.
true false
C2
“干嘛” can be used to ask about the purpose of an action in a neutral way.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux
While '干嘛' asks about purpose, its colloquial nature often implies disapproval, surprise, or impatience, rather than being neutral.
true false
C2
“你干嘛不理我？” means 'Why are you ignoring me?'
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vrai
In this sentence, '干嘛' (gànmá) is used to express 'why' or 'what for', indicating a question about the reason for the action of ignoring (不理 - bùlǐ).
true false
C2
“干嘛” is a formal expression suitable for business communications.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux
“干嘛” is a colloquial term and is generally not appropriate for formal business communications. More formal alternatives like '为什么' (wèishénme) would be used.
listening
C2
Understand why someone left without a word.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛一声不吭地走了？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening
C2
Figure out the reason for his strong interest in the project.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 他干嘛对这个项目表现出如此大的兴趣？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening
C2
Identify why someone always fails at critical moments.
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛总是在关键时刻掉链子？
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
C2
Read this aloud:
她干嘛突然改变了主意？
Focus: 干嘛
Tu as dit :
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Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
C2
Read this aloud:
你干嘛非要在这个时候提出这个问题？
Focus: 干嘛
Tu as dit :
AI is analyzing your pronunciation...
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Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking
C2
Read this aloud:
我们干嘛要听他的安排？
Focus: 干嘛
Tu as dit :
AI is analyzing your pronunciation...
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Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
sentence order
C2
Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛总是迟到？
This sentence uses '干嘛' to ask why someone is always late. The structure is Subject + 干嘛 + Adverb + Verb.
sentence order
C2
Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 他突然跑了，我不知道他干嘛。
Here, '干嘛' is used at the end of a clause to ask 'what for' or 'why' in a more informal way.
sentence order
C2
Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct !Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 你干嘛把门开着？
This sentence uses '干嘛' to question the reason for leaving the door open. The structure is Subject + 干嘛 + 把 + Object + Verb + 着.
/ 138 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 干嘛 (gàn má) to casually ask 'why' or 'what for' in everyday Chinese conversations.
干嘛 (gàn má) is a common colloquial adverb.
It means 'why' or 'what for' in casual conversation.
Often used to ask what someone is doing or to express mild exasperation.
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