这是什么
zhè shì shénme
这是什么 (zhè shì shénme) is the Chinese way to say 'what is this'.
This phrase is a question used to ask for the identity or name of an object. You can use it as a prefix to express indignation or disbelief, such as when saying 'What is this nonsense?' To refer to physical items more naturally, you can add 东西 (thing/object) to the end of the phrase.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 这 (this), 是 (is) and 什么 (what).
Which one should you use?
Use 那 (that) instead of 这 (this) if the object you are asking about is far from you rather than close. Adding 东西 to the end of the phrase, making it 这是什么东西？, helps it sound more natural when referring specifically to physical items.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Chinese, the word order for this question remains the same as a standard declarative statement: Subject + Verb + Object.
How do you pronounce it?
zhè shì shénme
Did you know?
- The word 东西 (thing) is composed of the characters for 'east' and 'west', suggesting that 'things' were once defined by the directions of trade markets.
- If you use 这是什么 while pointing to a person, it is considered an extreme insult that strips them of their humanity, effectively calling them an 'object'.
- The character 什 in 什么 (what) originally referred to a bamboo stick used for counting or a set of ten items.
Examples in context
- 哦，这是什么？Oh, what is this?This example shows the phrase used in an exclamation.Tatoeba #334207 by fucongcong, translation #33021 by orcrist
- 这是什么东西？What is this?This example shows how adding 东西 makes the question refer to a specific thing.Tatoeba #380256 by sysko, translation #392210 by sysko
- 这是什么废话？What is this nonsense?This example shows how the phrase can be used to express indignation.Tatoeba #1039699 by tatomeimei, translation #482376 by adjusting
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zi Han and Hao Ran are looking at a strange fruit in a supermarket.
- 梓涵 Zihan浩然，这是什么？Hào rán, zhè shì shén me?Hao Ran, what is this?
- 浩然 Haoran我想这是一种热带水果。Wǒ xiǎng zhè shì yī zhǒng rè dài shuǐ guǒ.I think this is a type of tropical fruit.
- 梓涵 Zihan它看起来很好吃。Tā kàn qǐ lái hěn hǎo chī.It looks delicious.
- 浩然 Haoran我们买一个试试吧。Wǒ men mǎi yī gè shì shì ba.Let's buy one and try it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
