Love Jackson Wang (王嘉尔) and want to boost your Mandarin skills?
This lesson breaks down the lyrics to his hit song "Why Why Why," helping you learn useful words and phrases in a fun and engaging way.
Check it out and see how music can unlock your Chinese learning journey!
Summary Of "Learn Chinese Mandarin with Jackson Wang's Hit Song: Why Why Why" From The Video Above
Section 1:
Don't ask why why why why why why why
你问我到底为什么爱你 (nǐ wèn wǒ dàodǐ wèishéme ài nǐ)
"You ask me exactly why I love you"
Breakdown:
"你问我" you ask me, "到底"exactly, "为什么爱你" why I love you.
到底
"到底" implies that the person asking the question is pressing for a clear and definitive answer.
So "你问我到底为什么爱你" (nǐ wèn wǒ dàodǐ wèishéme ài nǐ) translates to "You ask me exactly why I love you".
Now here are two more examples of how 到底 (dào dǐ) can be used to add emphasis or urgency to a question:
他们到底在哪里？ (Tāmen dào dǐ zài nǎlǐ?)
Where on earth are they?
这个电影到底是什么时候上映？ (Zhège diànyǐng dào dǐ shì shénme shíhou shàngyìng?)
When exactly is this movie going to be released?
Section 2:
答不出来并不是在逃避 (dá bù chū lái bìng bù shì zài táobì)
Being unable to answer doesn’t mean I'm evading
Breakdown:
"答不出来" (unable to answer) "并不是" (is not) "在逃避" (evading).
So, the sentence can be translated as "Being unable to answer doesn’t mean I'm evading."
逃避
The word "逃避" (táobì) means "to evade or "to avoid"
Here are a few more examples of how 逃避 (táobì) can be used to express the idea of or "evading" or "avoiding":
他总是逃避面对现实的问题。
Tā zǒngshì táobì miànduì xiànshí de wèntí.
He always avoids facing reality.
不要逃避困难，勇敢地去面对它们。
Bùyào táobì kùnnán, yǒnggǎn de qù miàn duì tāmen.
Don't evade difficulties, bravely confront them.
Overall, these lyrics convey the idea that love doesn't always have a clear or straightforward explanation, but that doesn't diminish its sincerity or depth.
Section 3:
What I'm saying I'll be saying oh
感觉就是 feels right (gǎnjué jiùshì feels right)
"The feeling just feels right"
The lyric "感觉就是feels right" is a combination of Chinese and English. Let's break it down:
"感觉" (gǎnjué): This is the Chinese word for "feeling" .
"就是" (jiùshì): This phrase that can be translated “just.
"feels right": Well, this part is in English.
So, putting it together, "感觉就是feels right" can be translated as "The feeling just feels right”
Here are some more examples of using "感觉就是..." in conversations:
他对我说的话，感觉就是不太真诚。
Tā duì wǒ shuō dehuà, gǎnjué jiùshì bù tài zhēnchéng.
The things he said to me just didn't feel sincere.
这件衣服穿在身上，感觉就是很舒服。
Zhè jiàn yīfu chuān zài shēnshang, gǎnjué jiùshì hěn shūfu.
When I wear these clothes, it just feels very comfortable.
Section 4:
解释地出来 (jiěshì de chūlái)
我觉得更奇怪 (jiěshì de chūlái, wǒ juéde gèng qíguài)
"When the explanation comes out, it feels stranger to me"
Break down:
"解释的出来" (jiěshì de chūlái): This part means "When the explanation comes out"
- "解释" (jiěshì) "to explain" or “explanation”
- "的" (de) is a particle used to link the verb "解释" (explain) with the following verb.
- "出来" (chūlái) means "come out"
"我觉得" (wǒ juéde): This means "I feel"
- "我" (wǒ) means "I"
- "觉得" (juéde) means "to feel"
"更奇怪" (gèng qíguài): This means "stranger" or "more strange."
- "更" (gèng) means "more."
- "奇怪" (qíguài) means "strange"
So, putting it all together "解释的出来, 我觉得更奇怪" (jiěshì de chūlái, wǒ juéde gèng qíguài) translates to "When the explanation comes out, it feels stranger to me."
The word "奇怪" (qíguài) can be used to describe anything that’s unusual or strange.
For example:
这件事情真是太奇怪了！
Zhè jiàn shìqing zhēnshi tài qíguài le!
This matter is really strange!
我觉得他的反应有点奇怪。
Wǒ juéde tā de fǎnyìng yǒudiǎn qíguài.
I think his reaction is a bit strange.
Section 5:
Not what I say
不需要道理 (bù xūyào dàolǐ)
"No need for reasoning"
Let's break it down:
"不需要" (bù xūyào): This means "not needed" or "no need for."
- "不" (bù) is a negation particle meaning "not."
- "需要" (xūyào) means "to need" or "to require."
"道理" (dàolǐ): This means "reasoning" or "logic."
So, when combined, "不需要道理" (bù xūyào dàolǐ) indicates that something does not require reasoning or logic.
Here are some more examples of how "道理" can be used.
做事情要有道理。
Zuò shìqing yào yǒu dàolǐ.
When doing things, there must be logic behind it.
父母教给我们的道理，往往是有用的。
Fùmǔ jiào gěi wǒmen de dàolǐ, wǎngwǎng shì yǒuyòng de.
The reasoning our parents taught us is often useful.
Section 6:
Because you're so magical
爱你没理由 (ài nǐ méi lǐyóu)
"Loving you without reason."
Break down:
"爱你" (ài nǐ): This means "love you."
"没" (méi): This is a negative particle meaning "not" or "without."
"理由" (lǐyóu): This means "reason"
So, when combined, "爱你没理由" (ài nǐ méi lǐyóu) indicates that there is no specific reason for loving you.c
"理由" (lǐyóu) is used to refer to reasons or explanations for actions or events.
Let's see some examples:
我们需要一个好的理由来推迟会议。
Wǒmen xūyào yīgè hǎo de lǐyóu lái tuīchí huìyì.
We need a good reason to postpone the meeting.
我的决定是基于一些合理的理由的。
Wǒ de juédìng shì jīyú yīxiē hélǐ de lǐyóu de.
My decision is based on some sensible reasons.
Section 7:
Don't ask why why why why why why why
赌上了爱爱爱爱爱爱爱 (dǔ shàng le ài ài ài ài ài ài ài)
"Put love on the line."
Break down:
"赌上了" (dǔ shàng le): "赌上" (dǔ shàng) means "to bet on." or "to put something on the line", The "了" (le) at the end indicates a completed action.
"爱" (ài): This means "love."
So, when combined, "赌上了爱" (dǔ shàng le ài) indicates the act of taking a risk with love. It implies a sense of determination in pursuing love, despite the potential for challenges.
"赌上" (dǔ shàng) is used to indicate risking something significant in pursuit of a particular outcome.
For example:
他们把全部的积蓄都赌上了这场赌局。
Tāmen bǎ quánbù de jīxù dōu dǔ shàng le zhè chǎng dǔjú.
They bet all their savings on this gamble.
我愿意赌上一切去追求我的梦想。
Wǒ yuànyì dǔ shàng yīqiè qù zhuīqiú wǒ de mèngxiǎng.
I'm willing to risk everything to pursue my dreams.
Section 8:
跟你说原因的 hey that's a lie (gēn nǐ shuō yuányīn de hey that's a lie)
So don't ask why why why why why why why
"Telling you the reason, hey that's a lie."
Let's break it down:
"跟你说原因的" (gēn nǐ shuō yuányīn de): This part means "Telling you the reason."
- "跟你说" (gēn nǐ shuō) means "telling you" .
- "原因" (yuányīn) means "reason".
- "的" (de) is a particle used to link the verb "说" (speak) with the following noun "原因" (reason).
"hey that's a lie": This is in English and indicates that something is not true.
So, putting it all together, "跟你说原因的 hey that's a lie" implies that someone is being told a reason, but it is being stated that this reason is not quite true.
Section 9:
I'm saying
告诉你有多美 (gàosu nǐ yǒu duō měi)
性格跟我有多搭配 (xìnggé gēn wǒ yǒu duō dāpèi)
"Let me tell you how beautiful you are, and how well our personalities match."
Break down:
- "告诉你有多美" (gàosu nǐ yǒu duō měi): This part means "Let me tell you how beautiful you are."
- "告诉" (gàosu) means "tell"
- "你有多美" (nǐ yǒu duō) means "how beautiful you are"
- "性格跟我有多搭配" (xìnggé gēn wǒ yǒu duō dāpèi): This part means " how well our personalities match."
- "性格" (xìnggé) means "personality" or "character."
- "跟我" (gēn wǒ) means "with me" or "together with me."
- "有多" (yǒu duō) means "how much" or "how many."
- "搭配" (dāpèi) means "match" or "fit together."
So, in this part of the song, he gives examples of things people say to explain why they love someone. "告诉你有多美, 性格跟我有多搭配" (gàosù nǐ yǒu duō měi, xìnggé gēn wǒ yǒu duō dāpèi) can be translated as "Let me tell you how beautiful you are, and how well our personalities match."
"搭配" (dāpèi) is used to describe matching or pairing things together, such as clothes, colors, food and beverages, or actions and words. It implies a harmonious or suitable combination of elements.
Did you notice how he used the word "搭配" to describe personalities that match one another? It can also be used to describe matching objects. Like this:
这件衣服和裤子搭配得很好。
Zhè jiàn yīfu hé kùzi dāpèi dé hěn hǎo.
This outfit matches the pants very well.
这种酒搭配肉类菜肴最好。
Zhè zhǒng jiǔ dāpèi ròulèi càiyáo zuì hǎo.
This type of wine pairs best with meat dishes.
Section 10:
花言巧语过度调味 (huāyán qiǎoyǔ guòdù tiáowèi)
Yea 把你形容成一朵玫瑰 (Yea bǎ nǐ xíngróng chéng yī duǒ méiguī)
"Excessive sweet talk, like over-seasoning, Yea, describing you as a rose."
"花言巧语过度调味" (huāyán qiǎoyǔ guòdù tiáowèi): Excessive sweet talk, like over-seasoning,
- "花言巧语" (huāyán qiǎoyǔ) refers to flowery language or sweet talk, often used to charm or manipulate someone.
- "过度" (guòdù) means "excessive" or "overly."
- "调味" (tiáowèi) means "seasoning" or "flavoring" in the context of food.
"Yea 把你形容成一朵玫瑰" (Yea bǎ nǐ xíngróng chéng yī duǒ méiguī): Yea, describing you as a rose.
- "Yea" is a colloquial term often used for emphasis in English.
- "把你形容成" (bǎ nǐ xíngróng chéng) means "to describe you as"
- "一朵玫瑰" (yī duǒ méiguī) means "a rose."
Putting it together, these lines emphasize that overuse of flattering expressions can be negative for a relationship.
The expression "花言巧语" (huāyán qiǎoyǔ) is interesting. Notice how it can be used to imply that the speaker is using insincere and charming words to achieve a goal.
For example:
他总是用花言巧语哄骗她。
Tā zǒngshì yòng huāyán qiǎoyǔ hōngpiàn tā.
He always uses sweet talk to deceive her.
我不喜欢听那些花言巧语，我更喜欢真诚的表达。
Wǒ bù xǐhuān tīng nàxiē huāyán qiǎoyǔ, wǒ gèng xǐhuān zhēnchéng de biǎodá.
I don't like hearing that type of sweet talk, I prefer sincere expression.
Section 11:
这些早被重复用烂的语言 (zhèxiē zǎo bèi chóngfù yòng làn de yǔyán)
我觉得对你来说太过表面 (wǒ juéde duì nǐ lái shuō tài guò biǎomiàn)
"These words, long worn out from repetition, I feel are too superficial for you."
"这些早被重复用烂的语言" (zhèxiē zǎo bèi chóngfù yòng làn de yǔyán):These words, long worn out from repetition,
- "这些" (zhèxiē) means "these."
- "早被重复用烂的" (zǎo bèi chóngfù yòng làn de) means "long been repeated and worn-out."
- "语言" (yǔyán) means "words" or "language."
"我觉得对你来说太过表面" (wǒ juéde duì nǐ lái shuō tài guò biǎomiàn): I feel are too superficial for you."
- "我觉得" (wǒ juéde) means "I feel"
- "对你来说" (duì nǐ lái shuō) means "for you."
- "太过" (tài guò) means "too"
- "表面" (biǎomiàn) means "superficial."
In summary, these lines suggest that he feels that the words being used are overly repeated and superficial.
"表面" (biǎomiàn) is used to refer to superficial attitudes, or appearances that may not fully reflect the true nature of a situation.
For example:
这只是他表面上的态度，真正的想法可能完全不同。
Zhè zhǐshì tā biǎomiàn shàng de tàidu, zhēnzhèng de xiǎngfǎ kěnéng wánquán bùtóng.
This is just his superficial attitude; his real thoughts may be completely different.
他看起来很开心，但是其实只是表面上的。
Tā kàn qǐlái hěn kāixīn, dànshì qíshí zhǐshì biǎomiàn shàng de.
He looks happy, but in reality, it's only on the surface.
Section 12:
这问题我心里的答案 (Zhè wèntí wǒ xīnlǐ de dá'àn)
我爱你因为你是你 (Wǒ ài nǐ yīnwèi nǐ shì nǐ)
"The answer to this question in my heart, I love you because you are you."
"这问题我心里的答案" (Zhè wèntí wǒ xīnlǐ de dá'àn): "The answer to this question in my heart,
- "这问题" (zhè wèntí) means "this question."
- "我心里的" (wǒ xīnlǐ de) means "in my heart"
- "答案" (dá'àn) means "answer."
"我爱你因为你是你" (Wǒ ài nǐ yīnwèi nǐ shì nǐ): I love you because you are you.
- "我爱你" (wǒ ài nǐ) means "I love you."
- "因为" (yīnwèi) means "because."
- "你是你" (nǐ shì nǐ) means "you are you."
In summary, the answer to the question of why they love the person is simply because they are themselves. It implies a deep and genuine affection for the person's authentic self, without needing any further explanation or justification.
"因为" (yīnwèi) introduces the reason why something happens or why someone acts in a certain way.
For example:
因为下雨了，所以我们取消了野餐计划。
Yīnwèi xià yǔ le, suǒyǐ wǒmen qǔxiāo le yěcān jìhuà.
Because it rained, we canceled the picnic plan.
我们迟到了，因为交通堵塞。
Wǒmen chídào le, yīnwèi jiāotōng dǔsè.
We were late because of traffic congestion.
Final message:
Now the overall message of 王嘉尔, Jackson Wang's song is that love is indescribable and cannot be rationalized. It is magical and beyond explanation, and trying to justify it feels insincere. The repeated refrain "Don't ask why" reinforces the idea that love defies explanation and should simply be embraced as it is.
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