Learn the main uses of 什么, one of the most important Chinese question words.

What Does 什么 Mean?

Its main meaning is “what,” though in some contexts it can be translated as “which.” The most common use of 什么 is to ask about an unknown thing, action, or piece of information.

什么 + Noun

什么 can also come before a noun. In this case, it asks about the type, kind, or category of something.

什么 or 哪: The Difference Between “What” and “Which”

什么 asks an open-ended question. It does not assume there is a fixed list of options.

哪 [nǎ], by contrast, is used when choosing from known or limited options.

It normally appears with a measure word.

Remember: because 什么 is an interrogative pronoun, you should not add 吗 to a sentence that already uses it.

Expressive Uses of 什么

Surprise or Disbelief

Here, 什么 works as a surprised reaction: “What?”

Emphasis in Exclamations

In this kind of sentence, 什么 is not used to ask for an answer. It emphasizes an opinion or reaction.

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