Challenging a verb with "shenme"

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.

See also

• Challenging an Adjective with "shenme"

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