How to Say ‘What does this mean?’ in Simplified Chinese
这是什么意思？
zhè shì shén me yì sī
[juh shir shummuh ee suh]
💬 Usage Tip: [这] means "this," so [这是什么意思？] is literally "this is what meaning?" The pattern [X是什么意思？] is very useful: just swap in a word or phrase you want explained.
Phrase Breakdown
这
zhè
[juh]
this
Used to point to something near the speaker: 'this.'
这是什么？
What is this?
是
shì
[shir]
is; means
Links the subject and explanation; often translated as 'is.'
这是我的书。
This is my book.
什么
shén me
[shummuh]
what
A question word used to ask about things or meanings.
你想吃什么？
What do you want to eat?
意思
yì sī
[ee suh]
meaning
Refers to the meaning, sense, or idea of a word or phrase.
这个词的意思很简单。
The meaning of this word is very simple.
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