How to Say ‘Can I help you?’ in Traditional Chinese
有什麼事嗎？
yǒu shén me shì ma
[yoe shuhn muh shì ma]
🇹🇼 In Taiwan: Said in a flat tone, this can sound a bit guarded, roughly "what do you want?" If you hear it, have your compliment ready right away.
Phrase Breakdown
有什麼
yǒu shén me
is there any / what is there
有 (yǒu) means 'to have' or 'there is'. 什麼 (shénme) means 'what'. 麼 is light and neutral-toned.
有什麼問題？
Is there any problem?
Words in this phrase
有
yǒu
[yoe]
to have; there is/are
Used to show possession or that something exists or is available.
我們有很多交流機會。
We have many opportunities to interact.
什麼
shén me
[shuhn muh]
what
This question word means what; it asks what is going on in an annoyed tone.
你到底在搞什麼鬼，大家都看不懂。
What the hell are you doing? No one understands.
事嗎？
shì ma
matter? / something?
事 (shì) means 'matter' or 'thing'. 嗎 (ma) turns the sentence into a yes/no question and is said lightly.
你有事嗎？
Do you need something?
Words in this phrase
事
shì
[shì]
matter; thing; business
A matter, affair, or reason someone wants something.
我有一件事想問你。
I have something I want to ask you.
嗎
ma
[ma]
question particle
A sentence-final particle used to turn a statement into a yes-no question.
你喜歡這個活動嗎？
Do you like this event?
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