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How to Say ‘What’ in Simplified Chinese

什么

shén me

[shuhn muh]

💬 Usage Tip: [什么] often stays in the same place where the missing information would go: [吃什么] "eat what / what to eat," [注意什么] "pay attention to what." Chinese usually doesn't move "what" to the front like English does.

Phrase Breakdown

什么

shén me

[shuhn muh]

what

A question word used to ask about things, actions, or choices.

Example

饮食方面要注意什么?

What should be paid attention to in diet?

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