Challenging a verb with "shenme"

Revision as of 03:06, 16 July 2012 by WikiSysop (talk | contribs)
Chinese-grammar-wiki-shenme.jpg

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!
  • 什么 歉,又 不是 你 的 错。
  • 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

HSK5