How to Say ‘What color is this?’ in Simplified Chinese
这是什么颜色？
zhè shì shén me yán sè
[juh shir shuhn muh yen-suh]
💬 Usage Tip: Chinese questions keep the same word order as the answer. Just put 什么颜色 where the color goes: 这是红色 becomes 这是什么颜色？.
Phrase Breakdown
这是
zhè shì
this is
这 (zhè) means 'this' and 是 (shì) means 'is'. Both are falling fourth tones with a curled-back tongue.
这是我的书。
This is my book.
Words in this phrase
这
zhè
[juh]
this
Refers to something close by or soon to be experienced.
这个地方很漂亮。
This place is beautiful.
是
shì
[shir]
to be; is; are
A very common verb used to link a subject with a description, identity, or measurement.
我的腰围是八十四厘米。
My waist measurement is 84 centimeters.
什么颜色？
shén me yán sè
what color?
什么 (shénme) means 'what', and 颜色 (yánsè) means 'color'. The 么 in 什么 is said in a light neutral tone.
你的车是什么颜色？
What color is your car?
Words in this phrase
什么
shén me
[shuhn muh]
what
A question word used to inquire.
你的电话号码是什么？
What is your phone number?
颜色
yán sè
[yen-suh]
color
Refers to the color of clothes, objects, or visual style.
你今天衣服的颜色很好看。
The color of your clothes looks great today.
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