When traveling or interacting with locals in China, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of common phrases. One such phrase is “what.” Being able to ask “what” will undoubtedly come in handy during your time in China, whether you are seeking directions, trying to clarify something, or engaging in casual conversation. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “what” in Chinese, and provide you with tips and examples to enhance your language skills.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways
In formal situations, it is crucial to use the appropriate Chinese language to convey respect and professionalism. Here are three different ways to say “what” formally:
- “Shénme” (什么/甚么) – This is the most commonly used term for “what” in Mandarin Chinese. It can be used in almost any context, formal or informal. For example:
Formal Example: Nǐ shénme shíhòu lái? (你什么时候来?) – When will you come?
“Nǎ” (哪) – This term is used to mean “which” or “what” when referring to a selection of options. It is also used formally to ask about a specific place or location. For example:
Formal Example: Nǐ zhù nǎlǐ? (你住哪里?) – Where do you live?
“Zěnme” (怎么/怎麼) – This word generally means “how” but is also used formally to ask “what” in certain situations. For example:
Formal Example: Nín zěnme chī zhè ge cài? (您怎么吃这个菜?) – How do you eat this dish? (literally: How do you eat this dish?)
Informal Ways
Informal situations allow for slightly more casual language. Here are some ways to say “what” informally:
- “Shénme” (什么/甚么) – As mentioned earlier, “shénme” is versatile and commonly used in both formal and informal settings.
- “Gànmá” (干嘛/幹嘛) – This phrase is more colloquial and often used in casual conversations. It is equivalent to saying “what are you doing” or “what’s up” in English. For example:
Informal Example: Nǐ gànmá? (你干嘛?) – What are you doing?
“Nǎlǐ” (哪里/哪裡) – Similar to its formal usage, “nǎlǐ” can be employed casually to ask about someone’s whereabouts. For example:
Informal Example: Lǎobǎn, nǐ zài nǎli? (老板，你在哪里?) – Boss, where are you?
Regional Variations
China is a vast country with diverse cultural and linguistic traditions, resulting in certain regional variations. While Mandarin Chinese is the official language, there are local dialects spoken in different areas. Here are some regional variations of “what” in China:
- “Shénmo” (什么/甚么) – Mandarin Chinese pronunciation.
- “Quén” (啥/啥子) – Commonly used in northeastern China, particularly in provinces like Shandong and Hebei. For example:
Regional Example: Nǐ quén shì Jìn (你啥是晋?) – Where are you from? (literally: What are you in Jin dialect?)
“Shéi” (谁/誰) – In certain regions, particularly in the south, “shéi” is sometimes used interchangeably with “shénme” to mean “what.” For instance:
Regional Example: Nǐ shéi ne? (你谁呢?) – Who are you? (literally: What are you?)
While these regional variations exist, it is crucial to note that Mandarin Chinese is widely understood and utilized as a standard language across most of China, especially in formal, professional, and educational contexts.
Tips and Examples
To help you navigate through different conversations, here are some additional tips and examples:
- Pay attention to tone: Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language, and slight variations in pronunciation can change the meaning of a word. Ensure you practice the correct tones for “what” to accurately convey your message.
- Nonverbal cues: Nonverbal cues, such as hand gestures or facial expressions, can provide valuable context when asking “what.” Pay attention to the person’s body language for better comprehension.
- Practice with locals: Interacting with native speakers will improve your language skills significantly. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for help or engage in conversations to practice saying “what” in the appropriate context.
Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “what” in China formally and informally, you are better equipped to navigate conversations and enjoy your time in this remarkable country. Remember to embrace the language and culture, and don’t hesitate to continue learning. Best of luck on your Chinese language journey!
