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How to Say ‘What does it mean?’ in Traditional Chinese

是什麼意思?

shì shén me yì sī

[shr shénme ee-suh]

💬 Usage Tip: Put any word in front of this to ask about its meaning: 這個字是什麼意思? "what does this character mean?". It's a handy all-purpose question.

Phrase Breakdown

是

shì

[shr]

to be; is

Connects the subject with what is being said about it.

Example

這不是你的錯。

This isn't your fault.

什麼

shén me

[shénme]

what

Used to ask for information specifying something.

Example

你想知道什麼?

What do you want to know?

意思

yì sī

[ee-suh]

meaning; idea; intention

The point or message someone is trying to express.

Example

我知道你的意思。

I know what you mean.

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