什么 (shénme)
pronoun · Beginner · Question Words
Meaning
English: What
Used to ask about a thing.
Examples
🗣 这是什么？
💬 What is this?
Etymology
‘什么’ (shénme) combines ‘什’ (what) and ‘么’ (suffix for interrogatives), originating from ancient Chinese questioning forms. It serves as a fundamental interrogative in the language.
How & Where It’s Used
‘什么’ (shénme) is used in both formal and informal registers, frequently in spoken and written contexts as the first point of inquiry about objects or concepts.
📹 Watch "What" pronunciation on YouTube
Tags: question