Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “what” in various languages! Learning how to communicate this essential word allows you to engage in conversations, seek information, and clarify doubts. In this guide, we’ll explore formal and informal ways to express “what” in different languages. While we primarily focus on standard variations, we’ll also touch on regional variations where necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
English
In English, we commonly use the word “what” to ask for information or to express surprise or confusion. Here are a few examples of how to say “what” in English:
- Formal: What is the matter?
- Informal: What’s up?
- Alternative: Say what?
Tip: The word “what” can also be used to ask for repetition or clarification. For example, “What did you say?” or “What do you mean?”
Spanish
In Spanish, the word for “what” is “qué.” Here are some examples:
- Formal: ¿Qué pasa?
- Informal: ¿Qué tal?
- Alternative: ¿Cómo?
French
In French, “what” is translated to “quoi.” Here are a few expressions:
- Formal: Qu’est-ce que c’est?
- Informal: Quoi de neuf?
- Alternative: Comment?
German
In German, the word “what” can be translated as “was.” Here are some examples:
- Formal: Was ist los?
- Informal: Was geht ab?
- Alternative: Wie bitte?
Italian
In Italian, “what” can be translated as “che.” Here are a few examples:
- Formal: Che succede?
- Informal: Che c’è?
- Alternative: Come?
Japanese
In Japanese, the word for “what” is “nani.” Here are some expressions you can use:
- Formal & Informal: 何ですか？(Nan desu ka?)
- Alternative: どうしたの？(Dō shita no?)
Mandarin Chinese
In Mandarin Chinese, “what” is translated to “什么” (shénme). Here are a few ways to express it:
- Formal & Informal: 你说什么？(Nǐ shuō shénme?)
- Alternative: 怎么了？(Zěnme le?)
Russian
In Russian, the word “what” can be translated as “что” (chto). Here are a couple of examples:
- Formal & Informal: Что случилось? (Chto sluchilos’?)
- Alternative: Как? (Kak?)
Portuguese
In Portuguese, “what” is translated to “o quê” or “que.” Here’s how to use it:
- Formal: O que aconteceu?
- Informal: Que houve?
- Alternative: Como assim?
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to say “what” in various languages. Remember, these translations are for the standard variations of the languages mentioned. There may be regional variations or dialects that use different words or phrases, so it’s always exciting to explore further if you have the opportunity. Keep practicing to become more proficient in using these expressions in different contexts. Enjoy your multilingual journey!
