Grammar Point:
In Chinese, a rhetorical question can be formed by using the word 什么 shénme which means “what.” It is used to emphasize a point or express surprise or disbelief. This is a way of making a statement or remarking on something, and the speaker isn’t necessarily expecting a response.
Structure
V or Adj + shénme + (啊 a)
玩什麼啊,快點工作玩什么啊,快点儿工作
What are you playing? Hurry up and work.
你累什麼,你根本還沒開始工作你累什么,你根本还没开始工作
Why are you tired? You haven’t even started working yet.
說什麼啊,你覺得這有可能發生嗎?说什么啊,你觉得这有可能发生吗?
What are you saying? Do you think this is possible?
熱什麼啊,你現在就覺得熱,夏天的時候你怎麼辦热什么啊,你现在就觉得热,夏天的时候你怎么办
You feel hot? If you’re feeling hot now, what will you do in the summer?
V + shénme + V
你哭什麼哭,被罵的人又不是你你哭什么哭,被骂的人又不是你
Why are you crying? The person being scolded isn’t you.
你們看什麼看,沒看過人吵架啊你们看什么看,没看过人吵架啊
What are you all looking at? Haven’t you seen people argue before?
吵什麼吵,你們兩個人都有錯吵什么吵,你们两个人都有错
Why are you arguing? Both of you are at fault.
比什麼比,你如果每天都要拿自己跟別人比,你永遠都不會開心比什么比,你如果每天都要拿自己跟别人比,你永远都不会开心
What are you comparing? If you compare yourself to others every day, you’ll never be happy.
V + shénme + O
如果你聘金拿不出來,還想結什麼婚如果你聘金拿不出来,还想结什么婚
If you can’t afford the dowry, why do you want to get married?
FYI
Originally, the concept of 聘金 pìnjīn (betrothal money) was a token of gratitude from the groom’s family to the bride’s parents, expressing their appreciation for raising their daughter.
Betrothal money can be categorized into 大聘 dàpìn (large betrothal money) and 小聘 xiǎopìn (small betrothal money). 大聘 dàpìn typically involves a larger sum, often exceeding $11,200 USD, and is sometimes seen as a way for the groom’s family to demonstrate their financial stability and reassure the bride’s family that she will not face hardships in her new life. If the bride’s family receives a 大聘 dàpìn, it is often used to purchase bridal furniture, although in many cases, it is returned to the groom’s family after the wedding.
Conversely, 小聘 xiǎopìn is often referred to as “clothing money” or “diaper money.” It symbolizes the bride’s family’s nurturing of their daughter and is used by the bride more directly in her new family.
In many major cities in Taiwan and China, changing social attitudes have led to a decline in the practice of betrothal money. Today, people view the act of marrying off a daughter as a joyful occasion rather than a transaction, and as a result, betrothal money is often no longer a requirement. However, in some rural areas, the tradition of betrothal money remains a significant aspect of wedding customs.
你生什麼氣,該生氣的人是我吧你生什么气,该生气的人是我吧
Why are you getting angry? I’m the one who should be angry.
你們打什麼架,有話好好說不行嗎你们打什么架,有话好好说不行吗
Why are you fighting? Can’t you have a proper conversation?
我連生活費都有問題了還買什麼車我连生活费都有问题了还买什么车
I’m having trouble with my living expenses, so why would I buy a car?
Practice
TouchHover over the space to see the answers.
✔️ What are we eating? We’re about to have a meal.
吃什麼啊,等等就要吃飯了吃什么啊,等等就要吃饭了
✔️ Why are you buying coffee? We’re running out of time to get to the airport.
買什麼咖啡,快來不及去機場了买什么咖啡,快来不及去机场了
✔️ Whatever you’re thinking, just do it.
想什麼想,做就對了想什么想,做就对了