Difference between revisions of "Challenging a verb with "shenme""
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{{Grammar Box}} | {{Grammar Box}} | ||
Adding 什么 (shénme) to the end of a verb can be used to change a sentence into a rhetorical question. This usage is often used with [[separable verb]]s. | Adding 什么 (shénme) to the end of a verb can be used to change a sentence into a rhetorical question. This usage is often used with [[separable verb]]s. | ||
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| + | == Structure == | ||
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| + | The most common structure you will see is: | ||
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| + | <div class="jiegou"> | ||
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| + | Verb + 什么 + Object | ||
| + | |||
| + | </div> | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Examples == | ||
| + | |||
| + | This usage is best illustrated with examples: | ||
<div class="liju"> | <div class="liju"> | ||
Revision as of 03:06, 16 July 2012
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Keywords
Adding 什么 (shénme) to the end of a verb can be used to change a sentence into a rhetorical question. This usage is often used with separable verbs.
Structure
The most common structure you will see is:
Verb + 什么 + Object
Examples
This usage is best illustrated with examples:
- 这么 大 年纪 了，结 什么 婚啊！
- 道 什么 歉，又 不是 你 的 错。
- 过 什么 年 啊，还 得 又 送 红包 又 送礼。
- 没有 钱 看 什么 电影。
- 还 吃 什么 饭，要 迟到 了。
As mentioned above, the question "你看什么?" is a bit of a risky one, just like the English translation. If said too abruptly and with a stern tone, it carries the same hostile message that it would in English (think of a person trying to scare off a leering onlooker). If the question is said in a jovial and friendly tone, then the question can be non-rhetorical and curious. Tone of voice and context is key.
