что с тобой?
chto s toboy?
The English phrase "what is wrong with you?" can be translated into Russian as что с тобой? (chto s toboy?)
This phrase is used to ask someone why they are acting strangely or if they are feeling unwell. Depending on the tone of voice, this phrase can express genuine concern for someone's well-being or irritation at their strange behavior.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase что с тобой? literally translates to "what with you?", where что means "what" and с тобой means "with you".
Which one should you use?
The default form что с тобой? is used for friends, family or children, whereas что с вами? is used for strangers or superiors.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the form что с вами? when addressing someone formally or when addressing more than one person.
How do you pronounce it?
chto s toboy?
Did you know?
- In Russian, you can express the same sentiment by saying ты в своем уме?, which literally asks if someone is 'in their own mind'. This is used when the behavior is so strange it suggests a loss of sanity.
- The word что has deep roots in Proto-Indo-European, sharing an evolutionary lineage with the English word 'what'. They are distant cousins through the ancient roots of both languages.
- If someone answers всё в порядке to this question, they are saying 'everything is in order'. This phrase is the standard way to deflect the question and signal that nothing is wrong.
Examples in context
- Привет, что с тобой не так? Ты выглядишь расстроенным. Хочешь поговорить об этом?Hey, what is wrong with you? You look upset. Do you want to talk about it?
- Что с тобой? Ты выглядишь бледной.Chto s toboy? Ty vyglyadish blednoy.What is wrong with you? You look pale.
- Ты ведешь себя странно. Что с тобой?Ty vedesh sebya stranno. Chto s toboy?You are acting strangely. What is wrong with you?
- Я вижу, что ты плачешь. Что с тобой?Ya vizhu, chto ty plachesh. Chto s toboy?I see that you are crying. What is wrong with you?
Example conversation
Sergey sees Maria looking upset in the kitchen.
- Сергей SergeyМария, ты какая-то грустная. Что с тобой?Mariya, ty kakaya-to grustnaya. Chto s toboy?Maria, you are somewhat sad. What is wrong with you?
- Мария MariaПросто я очень устала на работе.Prosto ya ochen ustala na rabote.I am just very tired from work.
- Сергей SergeyТебе нужно отдохнуть сегодня.Tebe nuzhno otdokhnut segodnya.You need to rest today.
- Мария MariaДа, ты прав, Сергей.Da, ty prav, Sergey.Yes, you are right, Sergey.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries с, тобой, что, CC BY-SA 4.0.
