cómo es que

how come

→ cómo

phrase Rare #35,028

how come A conversational question phrase used to ask why something is the case, often expressing surprise. It can also be translated as “how is it that.”

SP: ¿Cómo es que sabes mi nombre?

EN: How come you know my name?

Cómo es que?

How come?

— Piku (2015)

Maestro, ¿cómo es que estás aquí?

Master, how is it that you are here?

— Los hombres detrás del sol 2: El laboratorio del diablo (1992)

Cómo es que has aparecido así?

How did you appear like this?

Si conoces a Li Mu Bai, ¿cómo es que no conoces a su maestro?

If you know Li Mu Bai, how is it that you don't know his master?

— Tigre y dragón (2000)