HSK 1
什么 N
shénme N
what kind of N
Structure
Subject + Verb + 什么 + Noun (?)
How it works
In Chinese, '什么' (shénme) is an interrogative pronoun used to ask 'what' or 'what kind of'. When placed directly before a noun, it functions as an adjective to specify the identity or category of that noun.
Examples
你喜欢什么水果？
Nǐ xǐhuan shénme shuǐguǒ?
What fruit do you like?
这是什么名字？
Zhè shì shénme míngzi?
What name is this?
你想喝什么茶？
Nǐ xiǎng hē shénme chá?
What tea do you want to drink?
Common mistakes
Do not place a measure word between '什么' and the noun (e.g., avoid saying '什么个书').
Tip
Remember that the word order in a Chinese question is the same as in a statement; just replace the specific noun you are asking about with '什么 + Noun'.
More HSK 1 grammar
See 什么 N in real Chinese
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