Understanding Chinese: What Does What Mean?

Introduction

Chinese language has always been a subject of fascination for people all over the world. With its unique characters and tonal variations, it can be quite challenging to learn. However, if you are interested in understanding Chinese, it is essential to start with the basics. In this article, we will explore the meaning of some of the most commonly used words in Chinese, including what, when, why, and how.

What

The Chinese word for ‘what’ is ‘shén me’ (什么). It is one of the most frequently used words in the language and is often used in questions. For example, if you want to ask someone what they are doing, you would say ‘nǐ zài zuò shén me?’ (你在做什么？). The word ‘shén me’ can also be used to express surprise or disbelief. For instance, if someone tells you that they have never heard of a particular thing, you might respond by saying ‘shén me? (什么？)’.

When

The Chinese word for ‘when’ is ‘shén me shí hòu’ (什么时候). It is used to ask about the time or timing of an event. For example, if you want to ask someone when they are going to arrive, you would say ‘nǐ shén me shí hòu lái?’ (你什么时候来？). The word ‘shí hòu’ (时候) can also be used on its own to mean ‘time’ or ‘moment’.

Why

The Chinese word for ‘why’ is ‘wèi shén me’ (为什么). It is used to ask about the reason or cause of something. For example, if you want to ask someone why they are upset, you would say ‘nǐ wèi shén me nà me nán guò?’ (你为什么那么难过？). The word ‘wèi’ (为) means ‘for’ or ‘because of’, and ‘shén me’ (什么) means ‘what’, so the literal translation of ‘wèi shén me’ is ‘for what’.

How

The Chinese word for ‘how’ is ‘zěn me’ (怎么). It is used to ask about the method, manner, or way of doing something. For example, if you want to ask someone how to cook a particular dish, you would say ‘zhè gè cài zěn me zuò?’ (这个菜怎么做？). The word ‘zěn me’ can also be used to express surprise or disbelief. For instance, if someone tells you that they have never heard of a particular thing, you might respond by saying ‘zěn me? (怎么？)’.

Who

The Chinese word for ‘who’ is ‘shuí’ (谁). It is used to ask about the person or people involved in a particular situation. For example, if you want to ask someone who they are going to meet, you would say ‘nǐ yào hé shuí jiàn miàn?’ (你要和谁见面？). The word ‘shuí’ can also be used to express surprise or disbelief. For instance, if someone tells you that they have never heard of a particular person, you might respond by saying ‘shuí? (谁？)’.

Where

The Chinese word for ‘where’ is ‘nǎ li’ (哪里). It is used to ask about the location or place of something. For example, if you want to ask someone where they are going, you would say ‘nǐ qù nǎ li?’ (你去哪里？). The word ‘nǎ li’ can also be used to express surprise or disbelief. For instance, if someone tells you that they have never been to a particular place, you might respond by saying ‘nǎ li? (哪里？)’.

Which

The Chinese word for ‘which’ is ‘nǎ ge’ (哪个). It is used to ask about the specific item or thing in a group of similar things. For example, if you want to ask someone which book they are reading, you would say ‘nǐ zhèng zài kàn nǎ ge shū?’ (你正在看哪个书？). The word ‘nǎ ge’ can also be used to express surprise or disbelief. For instance, if someone tells you that they have never heard of a particular thing, you might respond by saying ‘nǎ ge? (哪个？)’.

Conclusion

Learning Chinese can seem daunting at first, but starting with the basics can make a big difference. Understanding the meaning of common words like what, when, why, how, who, where, and which can help you communicate more effectively with native speakers. With practice and dedication, you can master this fascinating language and unlock a world of new opportunities.