Definition
何来 is a literary or formal interrogative phrase meaning 'where does it come from' or 'how could it be that'. It is used in rhetorical questions to challenge the origin or basis of something, often carrying a tone of disbelief or refutation. You will encounter it in written Chinese, classical-style speech, or formal debate. Unlike the everyday 从哪里来, 何来 is contracted and archaic in register.
v.p.
(literary verb phrase) where does … come fromhow can it be that (rhetorical)
Examples
- 何来？Cǐ yán hé gēnjù?Where does this statement get its basis?
- ，何来？Shì yǐ zhì cǐ, hé tuìlù?Things have come to this — how could there be a way back?
- 何来？Nǐ hé zìxìn néng chénggōng?Where does your confidence that you will succeed come from?
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