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HSK 6
qǐ岂howyǒu有havecǐ此thislǐ理reason
How can this be reasonable?; preposterous!

Literal meaning

how (岂) — have (有) — this (此) — reason (理)

Origin

A classical four-character phrase expressing strong disapproval or indignation.

Examples

Tā他jìng竟rán然zhè这yàng样duì对dài待nǐ你,qǐ岂yǒu有cǐ此lǐ理!
How dare he treat you like this! Preposterous!
Qǐ岂yǒu有cǐ此lǐ理!Wǒ我míng明míng明méi没yǒu有zuò做cuò错shì事。
How can this be! I clearly didn't do anything wrong.

Usage & nuances

Used to express strong disagreement or anger at something perceived as unfair or unreasonable.

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