How to Say ‘What is this?’ in Traditional Chinese
這是什麼？
zhè shì shén me
[zhè shì shénme]
💬 Usage Tip: 什麼 sits right where the answer will go, with no change in word order. So the reply simply fills that spot: 這是茶 "this is tea".
Phrase Breakdown
這
zhè
[zhè]
this
Indicates a specific object mentioned or nearby.
殘劍的這張字表達了他的思想。
Broken Sword's piece of calligraphy expresses his thoughts.
是
shì
[shì]
to be
Used to describe the identity or attributes of something or someone.
預訂的名字是張先生。
The reservation is under Mr. Zhang's name.
什麼
shén me
[shénme]
what
A question word used to ask about the identity of something.
你在找什麼？
What are you looking for?
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