Definition
何尝 is a formal adverb used in rhetorical questions with a negative (不 or 没) to emphasize the opposite affirmative. It is equivalent to saying 'it's not that I don't...' or 'I certainly do...' in English. This structure is common in written Chinese and adds a literary tone.
adv.
(rhetorical adverb) how could it be that... (used with a negative to affirm the opposite)
Examples
- 何尝,。Wǒ hé bù xiǎng qù, zhǐshì tài máng le.It's not that I don't want to go; I'm just too busy.
- 何尝,。Tā hé méi jìnlì, zhǐshì duìshǒu tài qiáng.It's not that he didn't try his best; the opponent was just too strong.
- 何尝,。Tā hé bú ài tā, zhǐshì xìnggé bù hé.It's not that she doesn't love him; their personalities just don't match.
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