что случилось?
chto sluchilos'?
In Russian, the phrase for "what is wrong" is что случилось? (chto sluchilos'?)
что случилось? is used to ask someone what has happened or why they seem upset. It is particularly effective when you see the visible result of an event, such as someone crying or an object being broken and you wish to ask about the cause.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "what happened?", where случилось is the neuter singular past tense form of the verb случиться (to happen).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb случилось in the phrase что случилось? is the neuter singular past tense form of случиться.
How do you pronounce it?
chto sluchilos'?
Did you know?
- In a very informal or heated situation, a Russian speaker might replace что with the more colloquial чё, changing the tone from a genuine inquiry to something much more blunt or even aggressive.
- The verb случиться shares a root with the word for 'case' or 'opportunity' (случай), implying that things which 'happen' are essentially 'occurrences' or 'coincidences'.
- The phrase что случилось? is often met with a shrug or a short 'ничего' (nothing), which is a very common way for Russians to signal that they do not wish to discuss their problems.
Examples in context
- Извините, я заметил, что вы выглядите несколько расстроенным. Что случилось?Excuse me, I noticed that you seem a bit upset. What happened?
- Ты в последнее время не похож на себя. Что случилось?You haven't been yourself lately. What happened?
- Что с тобой, почему ты такой грустный?What's the matter with you? Why are you so sad?
- Что случилось? Ты выглядишь грустной.Chto sluchilos'? Ty vyglyadish' grustnoy.What is wrong? You look sad.
- Что случилось? Почему ты плачешь?Chto sluchilos'? Pochemu ty plachesh'?What is wrong? Why are you crying?
- Извини, что случилось?Izvini, chto sluchilos'?Excuse me, what is wrong?
Example conversation
Alexander finds Maria sitting alone on a bench looking upset.
- Александр AleksandrМария, что случилось?Mariya, chto sluchilos'?Maria, what is wrong?
- Мария MariaЯ потеряла свои ключи.Ya poteryala svoi klyuchi.I lost my keys.
- Александр AleksandrНе переживай, я помогу тебе.Ne perezhivay, ya pomogu tebe.Don't worry, I will help you.
- Мария MariaСпасибо большое, Александр.Spasibo bol'shoye, Aleksandr.Thank you very much, Alexander.
