How could you Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhaʊ/ /ˈkʊd/ /ˈju

HOW-KUUD-yoo

UK

hˈaʊ/ /kˈʊd/ /jˈuː

HOW-KUUD-YOO

Definition

This expression is used to show disbelief, shock, or disappointment about someone's actions. It often means you can't understand why the person did something bad or surprising.

Usage & Nuances

Typically used when you feel betrayed, upset, or shocked by someone’s action. Often said with emotion. Not for polite or neutral questions—it's accusatory. Common in spoken English and dramas: 'How could you lie to me?' or 'How could you forget my birthday?'.

• Spanish: ¿cómo pudiste? - ¿cómo pudiste hacer eso?
• Portuguese (BR): como você pôde? - como pôde fazer isso?
• Portuguese (PT): como pudeste? - como conseguiste fazer isso?
• Chinese (Simplified): 你怎么能这样？ - 你怎么可以那样做？
• Chinese (Traditional): 你怎麼能這樣？ - 你怎麼可以那樣做？
• Hindi: तुमने यह कैसे कर लिया? - तुम ऐसा कैसे कर सकते थे?
• Arabic: كيف استطعت؟ - كيف يمكنك أن تفعل ذلك؟
• Bengali: তুমি কিভাবে পারলে
• Russian: как ты мог - как вы могли
• Japanese: どうしてそんなことができるの
• Vietnamese: sao bạn có thể - làm sao bạn lại có thể
• Korean: 어떻게 그럴 수 있어
• Turkish: bunu nasıl yaparsın - bunu nasıl yapabildin
• Urdu: تم یہ کیسے کر سکتے تھے
• Indonesian: bagaimana bisa kamu

Example Sentences

How could you help him without telling me?

basic

How could you say such a thing?

basic

How could you forget my birthday?

basic

Wow, how could you do that to your best friend?

natural

How could you just leave without saying goodbye?

natural

After everything we’ve been through, how could you betray me?

natural