What Is What In Chinese?

The Basics of Mandarin Chinese

Learning Chinese can be an intimidating task, but it’s not as hard as it seems. Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China, and it’s spoken by over a billion people worldwide. The language is known for its complex writing system, which includes thousands of characters. However, the basics of Mandarin Chinese can be learned relatively quickly.

One of the first things you’ll learn in Mandarin Chinese is the word for “what.” This word is “shén me” (什么), and it’s pronounced “shun muh.” It’s a basic question word that’s used to ask about things or ideas.

The Different Uses of “Shén me”

In Mandarin Chinese, “shén me” has several different uses. One of the most common uses is to ask for information. For example, you might ask “shén me míng zi?” (什么名字？) to ask someone’s name. You could also ask “nǐ xiǎng chī shén me?” (你想吃什么？) to ask what someone wants to eat.

“Shén me” can also be used to express surprise or disbelief. For example, if someone told you they won the lottery, you might respond with “shén me?” (什么？) to express your surprise.

Other Words for “What”

While “shén me” is the most commonly used word for “what” in Mandarin Chinese, there are other words that can be used in certain situations. For example, “nǎ” (哪) can be used to ask “which” or “where.” You could ask “nǎ yī tiáo?” (哪一条？) to ask which one, or “nǎ lǐ?” (哪里？) to ask where.

“Jiǎn dān shuō” (简单说) is another phrase that can be used to mean “what.” Literally translated, it means “speak simply,” and it’s often used to ask for clarification or to simplify a complex idea.

How to Use “Shén me” in a Sentence

Using “shén me” in a sentence is easy. Simply place it at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the subject and the verb. For example, “shén me nǐ yào zuò?” (什么你要做？) means “what do you want to do?”

You can also use “shén me” in the middle of a sentence to ask a question. For example, “wǒ bù zhīdào shén me shíhòu huílái” (我不知道什么时候回来) means “I don’t know when I’ll come back.”

Tips for Learning Mandarin Chinese

Learning Mandarin Chinese can be challenging, but there are a few tips that can help you along the way. First, practice speaking the language as much as possible. Find a language partner or tutor who can help you practice your conversation skills.

Second, focus on learning the basics before moving on to more complex topics. This will help you build a strong foundation for your language skills.

Finally, immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Watch Chinese movies and TV shows, listen to Chinese music, and read Chinese books and news articles. The more you immerse yourself in the language, the easier it will be to learn.

Conclusion

Learning Mandarin Chinese can be a rewarding experience, and mastering the word for “what” is just the beginning. With practice and dedication, you can become fluent in the language and open up a world of new opportunities.