{"id":43084,"date":"2025-02-28T09:32:34","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T01:32:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wukongsch.com\/blog\/?p=43084"},"modified":"2025-07-28T12:03:39","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T04:03:39","slug":"what-in-chinese","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wukongsch.com\/blog\/what-in-chinese-post-43084\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Say “What” in Chinese? Definition, Pronunciation, And Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When learning Chinese, “what” is probably one of the first and most important words you will know. Saying “what” in Mandarin is one of the most common and important phrases for Chinese beginners<\/a>. It translates to “\u4ec0\u4e48” (sh\u00e9n me) in Mandarin. If you don’t know how to use “what” in Chinese<\/strong>, even the simplest conversations can be difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about how to say “what” in Mandarin<\/strong>, from definitions and pronunciation to pinyin, examples, and more. If you want to learn more about the basics of Chinese<\/a>, then check it out together!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>“What” in Mandarin Chinese<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most common meaning of “what” in Chinese is “\u4ec0\u4e48”. The Chinese word “what” consists of two characters. The first character, “\u4ec0” (sh\u00e9n), is a separate word for “what” or “why” meaning. Its different meanings depend on the word next to it and on different Chinese contexts. The second character is “\u4e48” (me), and the meaning of this character generally depends on the other Chinese characters used with it.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Learn authentic Chinese<\/span> from those who live and breathe the culture.<\/p>\n<\/h3>\r\n

Specially tailored for kids aged 3-18 around the world!<\/p>\r\n \r\n Get started free!\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

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You can also use “\u4ec0\u4e48” to build simple sentences or phrases. For example, “\u6ca1\u4ec0\u4e48” (m\u00e9i sh\u00e9nme) means “it doesn’t matter”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In English sentences, \u201cwhat\u201d is placed before demonstrative pronouns (this, that, these, those) or subject pronouns (I, we, he, she, they), such as \u201cWhat is this?\u201d However, in the Chinese language, the word “\u4ec0\u4e48” is often placed after demonstrative or subject Pronouns like “\u8fd9\u662f\u4ec0\u4e48?” (zh\u00e8 sh\u00ec sh\u00e9nme?) translates to \u201cThis is what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"what<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>The Basics of Saying “What” in Chinese Language<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most common word for “what” in Mandarin is “\u4ec0\u4e48” (sh\u00e9nme). It is pronounced more like \u2018shummuh\u2019 (sh\u00e9nme) with a falling pitch. Here’s a quick start guide on saying “\u4ec0\u4e48” (sh\u00e9nme):<\/p>\n\n\n\n