How to Say ‘What shape is this?’ in Simplified Chinese
这是什么形状？
zhè shì shén me xíng zhuàng
[juh shir Shénme xíngzhuàng]
💬 Usage Tip: To make a question, put 什么形状 where the answer would go. 这是三角形。 becomes 这是什么形状？ with no change in word order.
Phrase Breakdown
这是什么
zhè shì shén me
what is this
这是什么 (zhè shì shénme) is a very common question. Here 什么 acts like 'what kind of', and it describes the noun that follows.
这是什么菜？
What dish is this?
Words in this phrase
这
zhè
[juh]
this
A demonstrative meaning “this,” used to point to something near the speaker.
这个活动来了很多公司代表。
Many company representatives came to this event.
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?
形状？
xíng zhuàng
shape?
形状 (xíngzhuàng) means 'shape'. Use a rising tone on 形 and a falling tone on 状.
我喜欢这个形状。
I like this shape.
Words in this phrase
形状
xíng zhuàng
[xíngzhuàng]
shape
The outline or form of something.
你喜欢什么形状？
What shape do you like?
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