这个用中文怎么说
zhège yòng zhōngwén zěnme shuō
To ask "how to say this in Chinese" in Chinese, use 这个用中文怎么说 (zhège yòng zhōngwén zěnme shuō).
This phrase is a question used to ask for the translation of a specific word or phrase into the Chinese language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down literally as 这个 (this) 用 (use) 中文 (Chinese) 怎么 (how) 说 (say).
Which one should you use?
While 中文 (zhōngwén) refers to the Chinese language broadly, you may also see 汉语 (hànyǔ) used in the phrase 这个用汉语怎么说. Hànyǔ specifically refers to the language of the Han people, but both terms are commonly used interchangeably in this context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, you can ask 呢个用广东话點講？ to ask how to say something.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Chinese, this question is formed using a statement structure rather than an inversion, so you do not need to change the word order to form a question.
How do you pronounce it?
zhège yòng zhōngwén zěnme shuō
Did you know?
- If you are in Taiwan, you might hear someone ask 这个用国语怎么说 instead of using 中文. This is because 'Guóyǔ' refers specifically to the 'National Language' used in the Republic of China.
- The phrase uses 怎么 to ask 'how', but this word is also used to express disbelief or frustration. In a different tone, 怎么 can change the meaning from a neutral question to 'How on earth is this possible?'
- The word 中文 (zhōngwén) actually places the emphasis on the 'written' aspect of the language. The character 文 (wén) refers to literature or writing, whereas many other names for the language focus on spoken sounds.
Examples in context
- 请问怎么用中文说这个东西？Excuse me, how do you say this in Chinese?
- 这是什么食材？中文怎么说？What is this ingredient called? How do you say it in Chinese?
- 这个用中文怎么说？Zhège yòng Zhōngwén zěnme shuō?How do you say this in Chinese?
- 老师，这个用中文怎么说？Lǎoshī, zhège yòng Zhōngwén zěnme shuō?Teacher, how do you say this in Chinese?
Example conversation
Zhiqiang is asking Zihan for help with a word in a book.
- 志强 Zhiqiang梓涵，这个用中文怎么说？Zǐhán, zhège yòng Zhōngwén zěnme shuō?Zihan, how do you say this in Chinese?
- 梓涵 Zihan这个词是“苹果”。Zhège cí shì “píngguǒ”.This word is 'apple'.
- 志强 Zhiqiang苹果，我知道了，谢谢！Píngguǒ, wǒ zhīdào le, xièxie!Apple, I see, thank you!
- 梓涵 Zihan不客气，志强。Bú kèqi, Zhìqiáng.You're welcome, Zhiqiang.
