Challenging a verb with "shenme"
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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.
- 你 要 什么 啊 ，你 今天 已经 来 了 三 次 了。
- 嗨，你 的 书 看 上去 很 有 意思，你 在看 什么 ？
- 他 做 什么 ？我们 已经 解决 完 那 个 问题，不 是 吗？
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.
