How to Say ‘What's up?’ in Traditional Chinese
怎麼了？
zěn me le
[dzun muh luh]
💬 Usage Tip: [怎麼了？] is a set phrase meaning "what's wrong?" or "what happened?" Here [怎麼] is not really "how" in the literal sense.
Phrase Breakdown
怎麼
zěn me
[dzun muh]
how; why; what happened
In this phrase, it helps ask what happened or what is wrong.
你看起來不舒服，怎麼了？
You don't look well. What happened?
了
le
[luh]
modal particle
In 怎麼了, this particle marks a current situation or change, giving the sense of what happened.
他突然哭了，發生什麼事了？
He suddenly cried. What happened?
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Spent three months in Taiwan and this app was my lifeline. The tonal practice with real scenarios helped me sound less like a textbook and more like a person.”
Laura H., 28, Photographer
“Shanghai business dinners require real Mandarin skills. This app’s scenario-based approach meant I could keep up with clients after just a month of practice.”
Ryan M., 36, Consultant
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker