Learning how to say “What is” in Chinese is essential for effective communication in the language. Whether you’re traveling to China, interacting with Chinese speakers, or simply interested in expanding your linguistic skills, this guide will provide you with various ways to express this question. We’ll cover both formal and informal expressions, focusing on standard Mandarin Chinese, which is widely spoken across different regions.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
In formal settings, it’s important to use polite and respectful language. Here are several phrases you can use to ask “What is” formally:
1. 什么是 (shénme shì)
The most straightforward way to express “What is” in Chinese is by using the phrase 什么是 (shénme shì). It follows a subject-predicate structure frequently used in Mandarin sentences. Simply replace the subject with the item or concept you want to inquire about.
Example: 什么是狗？ (shénme shì gǒu?) – What is a dog?
2. …的是什么 (… de shì shénme)
A slightly more formal way to ask about a specific object is by using the pattern “…的是什么” (… de shì shénme), where you utilize a possessive structure.
Example: 电影的是什么？ (diànyǐng de shì shénme?) – What is a movie?
Informal Expressions:
Informal language is commonly used in casual conversations or when talking to friends and peers. Below are some informal ways to ask “What is” in Chinese:
1. 啥是 (shá shì)
Using 啥 (shá) as a colloquial abbreviation for 什么 (shénme), you can ask “What is” in a more relaxed and friendly manner.
Example: 啥是漫画？ (shá shì mànhuà?) – What is a comic?
2. …是什么 (… shì shénme)
You can also drop the possessive particle “的” (de) and simply use 是什么(shì shénme) to inquire about something.
Example: 那是什么？ (nà shì shénme?) – What is that?
Additional Tips:
1. Politeness Matters
When asking “What is” in Chinese, adding polite phrases like “请问” (qǐngwèn – May I ask) or “对不起” (duìbùqǐ – Excuse me) can make your interactions more courteous.
2. Use Context
Providing additional context, such as mentioning the category or function of the item you’re inquiring about, can help you receive clearer answers. For example, you could ask “What is a popular Chinese dish?” or “What is the translation of this word?” This way, you can obtain more specific and useful information.
3. Learn Pinyin
Pinyin is a phonetic tool that can assist in pronunciation. It uses the English alphabet to represent Chinese sounds. By familiarizing yourself with pinyin, you’ll be better equipped to ask questions correctly and understand the responses of native Chinese speakers.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to say “What is” in Chinese, both formally and informally. Remember that language is a gateway to culture, so practicing these phrases will not only improve your communication skills but also deepen your understanding of Chinese customs and etiquette. Enjoy exploring the richness of the Chinese language!
