How to Say ‘What are these circles?’ in Simplified Chinese
这些圆形是什么？
zhè xiē yuán xíng shì shén me
[zhè xiē yuánxíng shir Shénme]
Phrase Breakdown
这些圆形
zhè xiē yuán xíng
these circles
这些 (zhèxiē) means 'these' (plural). 圆形 (yuánxíng) means 'circle' or 'round shape'. Both syllables of 圆形 are 2nd tone, so let the pitch rise on each.
这些圆形很漂亮。
These circles are pretty.
Words in this phrase
这些
zhè xiē
[zhè xiē]
these
Indicates objects or people that are physically near.
这些菜都很好吃。
These dishes are all tasty.
圆形
yuán xíng
[yuánxíng]
circle; round shape
A noun for the shape of a circle.
桌子上有一个圆形。
There is a circle on the table.
是什么？
shì shén me
are what?
是 (shì) means 'to be'. 什么 (shénme) means 'what'. In Chinese, the question word stays at the end of the sentence.
这是什么？
What is this?
Words in this phrase
是
shì
[shir]
to be; is; are
A linking verb meaning 'to be.' It connects a subject with identity or description.
她是医生。
She is a doctor.
什么
shén me
[Shénme]
what
Asks for information.
这是什么？
What is this?
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