When learning a new language, knowing how to ask simple questions like “What is that?” can be incredibly useful. In this guide, we will explore different ways to express “What is that?” in Chinese, including formal and informal variations. We will also provide useful tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “What is That?”
When speaking formally in Chinese, it’s important to use polite language and show respect. Here are a few ways to ask “What is that?” formally:
Option 1:
To ask “What is that?” formally, one can say “Zhè shì shénme?” (这是什么？).
Example: Zhè shì shénme? – What is that?
Option 2:
Another way to inquire formally is by using “Nà shì shénme?” (那是什么？).
Example: Nà shì shénme? – What is that?
2. Informal Ways to Say “What is That?”
Informal language is commonly used among friends, family, or in casual settings. Let’s look at some informal ways to ask “What is that?” in Chinese:
Option 1:
To ask “What is that?” informally, one can say “Nèi ge shì shénme?” (那个是什么？).
Example: Nèi ge shì shénme? – What is that?
Option 2:
Another colloquial way is by using “Nà个是啥？” (那个是啥？).
Example: Nà个是啥？ – What is that?
3. Tips for Asking “What is That?” in Chinese
When asking about something in Chinese, especially if you are a beginner, it’s always helpful to keep the following tips in mind:
- Politeness: Use the appropriate level of formality based on the situation. When in doubt, opt for a more polite approach.
- Context: Provide additional context if necessary to help the person you are speaking with understand the object you are referring to.
- Tone: Pay attention to your tone when speaking Chinese. A warm and friendly tone can make conversations more enjoyable.
- Pinyin: If you are unsure about the pronunciation, learning pinyin (the romanized Chinese script) can greatly assist you in pronouncing words correctly.
- Practice: Regularly practice conversational phrases and vocabulary to build confidence and fluency in asking questions.
4. Regional Variations
While Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China, there are various regional dialects and languages spoken throughout the country. Here are a few regional variations for asking “What is that?”:
Southern Chinese:
In Southern Chinese, specifically in Cantonese, you can say “邊個係咩嘢？” (Bin go hai me yeh?) to ask “What is that?”
Taiwanese Mandarin:
In Taiwanese Mandarin, you can say “那个是什麼啊？” (Na ge shi se mo a?) to ask “What is that?”
Conclusion
Asking “What is that?” in Chinese allows you to gain a better understanding of the things around you. By using the formal or informal variations, expressing curiosity becomes easier. Remember to use the appropriate level of politeness and provide context if needed. With regular practice and a friendly tone, you’ll soon become comfortable asking questions in Chinese.
