何必 - Expressing "why" rhetorically
HSK 5
The phrase "何必" (hé bì) is a commonly used expression in Chinese that conveys a sense of unnecessary action. It translates roughly to "why bother" or "why must (you)." This phrase is often employed in conversations to suggest that a certain action may not be worth it.
"何必" can be used in various contexts, such as when someone is overthinking a situation or when they are about to put in excessive effort. Overall, "何必" reflects a pragmatic perspective, encouraging simplicity and practicality.
Sample sentences
这件事情你完全不用担心，何必给自己添麻烦呢？You really don’t need to worry about this; why bother making things more complicated for yourself?
他已经说过不想去，何必再问他一次？He has already said he doesn't want to go; why ask him again?
为了一个小问题争论太久，何必呢？Arguing for too long over a small issue, why bother?
In a text
莉莉和汤姆结婚五年，尽管相爱，却常因琐事争吵。一天晚上，汤姆回家，发现莉莉在重新布置家具。
“你在做什么？”汤姆不满地问。“这看起来不对！”
“这是我的家，我想怎么布置就怎么布置！”莉莉反驳。
汤姆皱眉：“但何必去改变呢？之前很好啊。”
争吵愈演愈烈，莉莉突然停下：“汤姆，何必这样争吵呢？这值得吗？”
琐事 (suǒshì): Trivial matters, small affairs
反驳 (fǎnbó): To refute, to retort
皱眉 (zhòuméi): To frown, to knit one's brows
愈演愈烈 (yù yǎn yù liè): To get worse and worse, to intensify
Lily and Tom had been married for five years. Despite their love for each other, they often argued over trivial matters. One evening, Tom came home and found Lily rearranging the furniture.
“What are you doing?” Tom asked with dissatisfaction. “That doesn’t look right!”
“It’s my house; I can arrange it however I want!” Lily retorted.
Tom frowned and said, “But why bother changing it? It was fine before.”
The argument escalated, and Lily suddenly stopped. “Tom, why must we argue like this? Is it really worth it?”
