Understanding how to ask “what” in Chinese is fundamental for basic communication. This seemingly simple question unlocks the ability to inquire about objects, actions, and situations, making it an essential building block for language learners.
Mastering these interrogatives not only enhances your ability to gather information but also provides crucial insights into Chinese sentence structure and grammar. This article will comprehensively cover the various ways to ask “what” in Mandarin Chinese, including different contexts, grammatical nuances, and common pitfalls.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice to confidently use these essential question words.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “What” in Chinese
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “What”
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “What” in Chinese
The concept of “what” in Chinese isn’t represented by a single word but rather a family of interrogatives, each with its own specific nuance and application. The most common and versatile word for “what” is 什么 (shénme). It is used to inquire about objects, things, or types. However, depending on the context, other words like 干嘛 (gànmá), 怎么 (zěnme), and 为什么 (wèi shénme) can also convey a similar meaning or related concepts. Understanding the subtle differences between these words is crucial for accurate and natural communication.
These interrogatives function as question words, initiating inquiries or forming part of a larger question. They can act as direct substitutes for the unknown element in a sentence.
For instance, instead of saying “This is X,” you would ask “This is 什么 (shénme)?” to inquire about the identity of “X.” The specific context dictates which “what” word is most appropriate. Consider the difference between asking “What is this?” (什么) and “What are you doing?” (干嘛/做什么).
Structural Breakdown
The structure of questions using “what” words in Chinese generally follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order, similar to English, although variations exist. The question word typically occupies the position where the answer would be in a statement.
Here’s a breakdown of common structures:
- Subject + Verb + 什么 (Shénme): Used to ask “what” about the object of the verb. Example: 你吃什么？(Nǐ chī shénme?) – What are you eating?
- 什么 (Shénme) + Subject + Verb: Can be used when the “what” is the subject of the sentence. Example: 什么东西坏了？(Shénme dōngxi huài le?) – What thing is broken?
- 干嘛 (Gànmá) + Verb: Used to ask “what to do” or “why.” Example: 你干嘛哭？(Nǐ gànmá kū?) – Why are you crying? (What are you crying for?)
- 怎么 (Zěnme) + Verb/Adjective: Used to ask “how” or “what” in terms of manner or condition. Example: 怎么办？(Zěnme bàn?) – What to do? (How to handle it?)
- 为什么 (Wèi shénme) + Clause: Used to ask “why.” Example: 你为什么来？(Nǐ wèi shénme lái?) – Why did you come?
Chinese grammar relies heavily on word order. The placement of the question word significantly impacts the meaning of the question.
Furthermore, the inclusion of particles like 吗 (ma) to form yes/no questions is generally not used when a “what” word is present, as the question itself implies that it’s not a simple yes/no inquiry. The tone and context can also affect the meaning and politeness of the question.
Types and Categories of “What”
While 什么 (shénme) is the primary translation for “what,” other words capture specific nuances. Understanding these variations is crucial for accurate communication.
什么 (Shénme) – Basic “What”
什么 (shénme) is the most versatile and commonly used word for “what.” It inquires about the identity, nature, or type of something. It can be used to ask about objects, actions, or situations in a general sense.
This is your go-to word when you’re unsure which specific “what” to use.
干嘛 (Gànmá) – “What to Do?” or “Why?”
干嘛 (gànmá) is used to ask “what to do?” or “why?” It often implies a sense of disapproval or surprise. It’s more colloquial than 为什么 (wèi shénme) and is commonly used in informal settings.
It focuses on the purpose or reason behind an action, often with a slightly critical or inquisitive tone.
怎么 (Zěnme) – “How?” or “What?” (in certain contexts)
怎么 (zěnme) primarily means “how,” but it can also translate to “what” in specific contexts, especially when asking about methods, ways, or solutions. For example, 怎么办 (zěnme bàn) means “what to do?” or “how to handle it?”.
It focuses on the manner or method of doing something, and in certain idiomatic expressions, equates to asking “what.”
为什么 (Wèi shénme) – “Why?” (Related to “What”)
为什么 (wèi shénme) directly translates to “why,” but it’s closely related to “what” because asking “why” is often seeking information about the reason or cause of something. While not a direct translation of “what,” it’s essential for understanding inquiries about motivations or explanations.
It’s a more formal and direct way of asking “why” compared to 干嘛 (gànmá).
Examples
To solidify your understanding, let’s explore various examples of how to use these “what” words in different contexts.
什么 (Shénme) Examples
The following table provides examples of using 什么 (shénme) in various sentence structures. Notice how it can be used to ask about objects, food, names, and more.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 这是什么？ | Zhè shì shénme? | What is this? |
| 你要什么？ | Nǐ yào shénme? | What do you want? |
| 你吃什么？ | Nǐ chī shénme? | What are you eating? |
| 你叫什么名字？ | Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi? | What is your name? |
| 什么颜色？ | Shénme yánsè? | What color? |
| 什么时间？ | Shénme shíjiān? | What time? |
| 什么事？ | Shénme shì? | What’s the matter? / What’s up? |
| 你在说什么？ | Nǐ zài shuō shénme? | What are you saying? |
| 什么电影？ | Shénme diànyǐng? | What movie? |
| 什么问题？ | Shénme wèntí? | What’s the problem? |
| 什么地方？ | Shénme dìfang? | What place? |
| 什么东西？ | Shénme dōngxi? | What thing? |
| 什么号码？ | Shénme hàomǎ? | What number? |
| 他学什么？ | Tā xué shénme? | What does he study? |
| 你要买什么？ | Nǐ yào mǎi shénme? | What do you want to buy? |
| 什么牌子？ | Shénme páizi? | What brand? |
| 什么意思？ | Shénme yìsi? | What does it mean? |
| 什么新闻？ | Shénme xīnwén? | What’s the news? |
| 什么感觉？ | Shénme gǎnjué? | What feeling? |
| 什么季节？ | Shénme jìjié? | What season? |
| 什么计划？ | Shénme jìhuà? | What plan? |
| 什么礼物？ | Shénme lǐwù? | What gift? |
| 什么运动？ | Shénme yùndòng? | What sport? |
| 什么节日？ | Shénme jiérì? | What festival? |
| 什么课程？ | Shénme kèchéng? | What course? |
| 什么结果？ | Shénme jiéguǒ? | What result? |
| 什么情况？ | Shénme qíngkuàng? | What’s the situation? |
| 什么价值？ | Shénme jiàzhí? | What value? |
干嘛 (Gànmá) Examples
干嘛 (gànmá) is often used to express surprise or disapproval. The following table illustrates its usage in different scenarios.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 你干嘛？ | Nǐ gànmá? | What are you doing? / Why are you doing that? (often with a tone of disapproval) |
| 你干嘛哭？ | Nǐ gànmá kū? | Why are you crying? |
| 你干嘛生气？ | Nǐ gànmá shēngqì? | Why are you angry? |
| 你干嘛走？ | Nǐ gànmá zǒu? | Why are you leaving? |
| 你干嘛打他？ | Nǐ gànmá dǎ tā? | Why are you hitting him? |
| 你干嘛问这个？ | Nǐ gànmá wèn zhège? | Why are you asking this? |
| 你干嘛那么着急？ | Nǐ gànmá nàme zhāojí? | Why are you so anxious? |
| 你干嘛不说话？ | Nǐ gànmá bù shuōhuà? | Why aren’t you talking? |
| 你干嘛骗我？ | Nǐ gànmá piàn wǒ? | Why are you lying to me? |
| 你干嘛穿这么少？ | Nǐ gànmá chuān zhème shǎo? | Why are you wearing so little? |
| 你干嘛关门？ | Nǐ gànmá guān mén? | Why are you closing the door? |
| 你干嘛开玩笑？ | Nǐ gànmá kāi wánxiào? | Why are you joking? |
| 你干嘛那么认真？ | Nǐ gànmá nàme rènzhēn? | Why are you so serious? |
| 你干嘛不听我的？ | Nǐ gànmá bù tīng wǒ de? | Why don’t you listen to me? |
| 你干嘛浪费时间？ | Nǐ gànmá làngfèi shíjiān? | Why are you wasting time? |
| 你干嘛不告诉我？ | Nǐ gànmá bù gàosù wǒ? | Why didn’t you tell me? |
| 你干嘛这么紧张？ | Nǐ gànmá zhème jǐnzhāng? | Why are you so nervous? |
| 你干嘛不睡觉？ | Nǐ gànmá bù shuìjiào? | Why aren’t you sleeping? |
| 你干嘛这么晚来？ | Nǐ gànmá zhème wǎn lái? | Why are you coming so late? |
| 你干嘛这么早就起床？ | Nǐ gànmá zhème zǎo jiù qǐchuáng? | Why are you getting up so early? |
| 你干嘛一直看着我？ | Nǐ gànmá yīzhí kànzhe wǒ? | Why are you always looking at me? |
| 你干嘛不说实话？ | Nǐ gànmá bù shuō shíhuà? | Why don’t you tell the truth? |
怎么 (Zěnme) Examples
怎么 (zěnme) primarily means “how,” but in certain contexts, it can mean “what” or “what to do.” The table below provides examples of this usage.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 怎么办？ | Zěnme bàn? | What to do? / How to handle it? |
| 怎么了？ | Zěnme le? | What’s wrong? / What happened? |
| 你怎么知道？ | Nǐ zěnme zhīdào? | How do you know? |
| 你怎么想？ | Nǐ zěnme xiǎng? | What do you think? / How do you think? |
| 你怎么去？ | Nǐ zěnme qù? | How are you going? |
| 你怎么做？ | Nǐ zěnme zuò? | How do you do it? |
| 你怎么说？ | Nǐ zěnme shuō? | How do you say it? |
| 你怎么看？ | Nǐ zěnme kàn? | How do you see it? / What’s your opinion? |
| 你怎么认为？ | Nǐ zěnme rènwéi? | What do you think? / How do you think? |
| 你怎么解释？ | Nǐ zěnme jiěshì? | How do you explain it? |
| 你怎么解决？ | Nǐ zěnme jiějué? | How do you solve it? |
| 你怎么理解？ | Nǐ zěnme lǐjiě? | How do you understand it? |
| 你怎么看待这个问题？ | Nǐ zěnme kàndài zhège wèntí? | How do you view this problem? |
| 你怎么处理这件事？ | Nǐ zěnme chǔlǐ zhè jiàn shì? | How do you handle this matter? |
| 你怎么知道这个消息？ | Nǐ zěnme zhīdào zhège xiāoxi? | How did you know this news? |
| 你怎么安排时间？ | Nǐ zěnme ānpái shíjiān? | How do you arrange your time? |
| 你怎么学习中文？ | Nǐ zěnme xuéxí zhōngwén? | How do you learn Chinese? |
| 你怎么保持健康？ | Nǐ zěnme bǎochí jiànkāng? | How do you stay healthy? |
| 你怎么放松自己？ | Nǐ zěnme fàngsōng zìjǐ? | How do you relax yourself? |
| 你怎么联系他？ | Nǐ zěnme liánxì tā? | How do you contact him? |
| 你怎么记得这么多？ | Nǐ zěnme jìde zhème duō? | How do you remember so much? |
| 你怎么找到这个地方？ | Nǐ zěnme zhǎodào zhège dìfang? | How did you find this place? |
为什么 (Wèi shénme) Examples
While 为什么 (wèi shénme) means “why,” understanding its usage is essential for comprehending inquiries about reasons and motivations. The table below provides several examples.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 你为什么来？ | Nǐ wèi shénme lái? | Why did you come? |
| 你为什么哭？ | Nǐ wèi shénme kū? | Why are you crying? |
| 你为什么生气？ | Nǐ wèi shénme shēngqì? | Why are you angry? |
| 你为什么不高兴？ | Nǐ wèi shénme bù gāoxìng? | Why are you unhappy? |
| 你为什么喜欢他？ | Nǐ wèi shénme xǐhuan tā? | Why do you like him? |
| 你为什么学习中文？ | Nǐ wèi shénme xuéxí zhōngwén? | Why are you learning Chinese? |
| 你为什么选择这个？ | Nǐ wèi shénme xuǎnzé zhège? | Why did you choose this? |
| 你为什么不告诉我？ | Nǐ wèi shénme bù gàosù wǒ? | Why didn’t you tell me? |
| 你为什么迟到？ | Nǐ wèi shénme chídào? | Why are you late? |
| 你为什么这么说？ | Nǐ wèi shénme zhème shuō? | Why did you say that? |
| 你为什么帮助我？ | Nǐ wèi shénme bāngzhù wǒ? | Why are you helping me? |
| 你为什么离开？ | Nǐ wèi shénme líkāi? | Why are you leaving? |
| 你为什么担心？ | Nǐ wèi shénme dānxīn? | Why are you worried? |
| 你为什么不同意？ | Nǐ wèi shénme bù tóngyì? | Why don’t you agree? |
| 你为什么改变主意？ | Nǐ wèi shénme gǎibiàn zhǔyi? | Why did you change your mind? |
| 你为什么这么早就起床？ | Nǐ wèi shénme zhème zǎo jiù qǐchuáng? | Why are you getting up so early? |
| 你为什么这么晚才睡？ | Nǐ wèi shénme zhème wǎn cái shuì? | Why are you sleeping so late? |
| 你为什么选择这个工作？ | Nǐ wèi shénme xuǎnzé zhège gōngzuò? | Why did you choose this job? |
| 你为什么相信他？ | Nǐ wèi shénme xiāngxìn tā? | Why do you believe him? |
| 你为什么不尝试一下？ | Nǐ wèi shénme bù chángshì yīxià? | Why don’t you try it? |
| 你为什么拒绝？ | Nǐ wèi shénme jùjué? | Why did you refuse? |
| 你为什么这么激动？ | Nǐ wèi shénme zhème jīdòng? | Why are you so excited? |
Usage Rules
Proper usage of these “what” words involves understanding grammatical rules and contextual nuances. Here are some key guidelines:
- 什么 (Shénme) is the most versatile. When in doubt, use 什么.
- 干嘛 (Gànmá) implies a reason or purpose, often with a hint of disapproval or surprise. Avoid using it in formal situations.
- 怎么 (Zěnme) focuses on the method or manner. Use it when asking “how” something is done or “what” the solution is.
- 为什么 (Wèi shénme) is a formal way to ask “why.” It’s suitable for most situations where you need to know the reason behind something.
- Word Order is Crucial: Pay close attention to the placement of the question word in the sentence. Incorrect placement can lead to confusion.
- Tone Matters: The tone in which you ask the question can also affect its meaning and politeness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often make mistakes when using “what” words in Chinese. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 你干什么？ (Nǐ gàn shénme?) | 你做什么？ (Nǐ zuò shénme?) or 你干嘛？(Nǐ gànmá?) | 干什么 (gàn shénme) is technically grammatically incorrect in standard Mandarin. Use 做什么 (zuò shénme) or 干嘛 (gànmá) instead. |
| 什么你做？ (Shénme nǐ zuò?) | 你做什么？ (Nǐ zuò shénme?) | Incorrect word order. The subject (你) should come before the verb (做). |
| 你为什么？ (Nǐ wèi shénme?) | 你为什么哭？ (Nǐ wèi shénme kū?) | 为什么 requires a clause to explain the reason. Simply saying “why you?” is incomplete. |
| 怎么你？ (Zěnme nǐ?) | 你怎么了？ (Zěnme le?) | “怎么你?” is not a standard phrase. 怎么了? (What’s wrong?) is the correct way to ask about someone’s condition. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate “what” word (什么, 干嘛, 怎么, 为什么).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. 你 ____ 要学习中文？ | 为什么 (Wèi shénme) |
| 2. 这是 ____ ？ | 什么 (Shénme) |
| 3. 你 ____ 这么晚还不睡觉？ | 干嘛 (Gànmá) |
| 4. ____ 办？我不知道该怎么办。 | 怎么 (Zěnme) |
| 5. 你在说 ____ ？ | 什么 (Shénme) |
| 6. 你 ____ 这么生气？ | 干嘛 (Gànmá) or 为什么 (Wèi shénme) |
| 7. 你 ____ 知道我的名字？ | 怎么 (Zěnme) |
| 8. 你要 ____ ？我帮你。 | 什么 (Shénme) |
| 9. 你 ____ 不听我的话？ | 为什么 (Wèi shénme) |
| 10. ____ 情况？发生了什么事？ | 什么 (Shénme) |
Answers:
- 为什么 (Wèi shénme)
- 什么 (Shénme)
- 干嘛 (Gànmá)
- 怎么 (Zěnme)
- 什么 (Shénme)
- 干嘛 (Gànmá) or 为什么 (Wèi shénme)
- 怎么 (Zěnme)
- 什么 (Shénme)
- 为什么 (Wèi shénme)
- 什么 (Shénme)
More Practice: Translate the following sentences into Chinese:
| English | Chinese |
|---|---|
| 1. What is your favorite color? | 你最喜欢的颜色是什么？(Nǐ zuì xǐhuan de yánsè shì shénme?) |
| 2. Why are you so happy today? | 你今天为什么这么高兴？(Nǐ jīntiān wèi shénme zhème gāoxìng?) |
| 3. What are you going to do this weekend? | 你这个周末打算做什么？(Nǐ zhège zhōumò dǎsuàn zuò shénme?) |
| 4. What’s wrong? You look upset. | 怎么了？你看上去很沮丧。(Zěnme le? Nǐ kàn shàngqù hěn jǔsàng.) |
| 5. Why are you laughing? | 你干嘛笑？(Nǐ gànmá xiào?) or 你为什么笑？(Nǐ wèi shénme xiào?) |
| 6. What kind of music do you like? | 你喜欢什么类型的音乐？(Nǐ xǐhuan shénme lèixíng de yīnyuè?) |
| 7. Why did you choose to study abroad? | 你为什么选择出国留学？(Nǐ wèi shénme xuǎnzé chūgúo liúxué?) |
| 8. What should I do? I’m so confused. | 我该怎么办？我很困惑。(Wǒ gāi zěnme bàn? Wǒ hěn kùnhuò.) |
| 9. What’s your phone number? | 你的电话号码是什么？(Nǐ de diànhuà hàomǎ shì shénme?) |
| 10. Why are you calling me so late? | 你干嘛这么晚给我打电话？ (Nǐ gànmá zhème wǎn gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà?) or 你为什么这么晚给我打电话？(Nǐ wèi shénme zhème wǎn gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà?) |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider exploring these more complex aspects:
- Nuances of Tone: How tone affects the implied meaning of questions with “what” words.
- Regional Variations: Differences in usage of “what” words in different Chinese dialects.
- Idiomatic Expressions: Understanding idioms that incorporate “what” words.
- Formal vs. Informal Language: Recognizing appropriate contexts for different “what” words.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about using “what” in Chinese:
- Is 什么 (shénme) always the best choice for “what”?
While 什么 (shénme) is the most versatile option, it’s not always the *best* choice. Consider the context. If you’re asking about the reason behind something, 为什么 (wèi shénme) or 干嘛 (gànmá) might be more appropriate. If you’re asking about a method or solution, 怎么 (zěnme) might be better.
- When should I use 干嘛 (gànmá) instead of 为什么 (wèi shénme)?
干嘛 (gànmá) is more informal and often carries a tone of surprise, disapproval, or mild annoyance. Use it in casual conversations with friends or family. 为什么 (wèi shénme) is more formal and neutral, suitable for most situations, including formal settings.
- Can 怎么 (zěnme) really mean “what”?
Yes, but only in specific idiomatic expressions or contexts. The most common example is 怎么办 (zěnme bàn), which means “what to do?” or “how to handle it?”. It implies a need for a solution or a course of action.
- How important is word order when using “what” words?
Word order is crucial in Chinese grammar. Incorrect word order can significantly alter the meaning of your question or make it incomprehensible. Pay close attention to the standard SVO structure and the placement of the question word.
- Are there any regional differences in how these words are used?
Yes, there are regional variations, particularly in dialects other than Mandarin. Some dialects might have different words or phrases for “what” or use the standard words in slightly different ways. However, 什么 (shénme), 怎么 (zěnme) and 为什么 (wèi shénme) are generally understood across most Mandarin-speaking regions.
- How do I avoid making mistakes when using these words?
Practice is key! Start by memorizing the basic meanings and usages of each word. Then, create your own sentences and practice speaking them. Pay attention to native speakers and how they use these words in different contexts. Review common mistakes and actively try to avoid them.
- Is it rude to use 干嘛 (gànmá)?
It depends on the context and your relationship with the person you’re talking to. Using 干嘛 (gànmá) can sometimes
be perceived as impolite or confrontational, especially if used with a harsh tone or towards someone older or in a position of authority. Be mindful of your tone and relationship before using it.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of asking “what” in Chinese requires understanding the nuances of 什么 (shénme), 干嘛 (gànmá), 怎么 (zěnme), and 为什么 (wèi shénme). By grasping their individual meanings, usage rules, and contextual applications, you’ll significantly enhance your communication skills and avoid common mistakes.
Practice regularly, pay attention to native speakers, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different sentence structures. With dedication and effort, you’ll confidently and accurately ask “what” in a variety of situations.