Definition
哪门子 is a colloquial phrase that functions as an interrogative pronoun, mainly used in rhetorical questions to express dissatisfaction, disbelief, or contempt. It roughly corresponds to 'what?' or 'why?' in English, but carries a dismissive tone. The structure is similar to 'what kind of…?' in questions like 'what kind of logic is that?'. It is not used in neutral or polite inquiries—only when the speaker disagrees or thinks something is nonsense.
pr.
(colloquial, rhetorical) what? (in expressions of dissent or disdain)(colloquial, rhetorical) why? (same nuance)
Examples
- 哪门子?。Nǐ chī de nǎ cù? Wǒ gēnběn méi zuò cuò shì.What are you jealous about? I didn't do anything wrong.
- 哪门子,。Tā shuō de nǎ dà dàolǐ, tīng dōu tīng bù dǒng.What kind of big talk is he saying? I can't even understand it.
- 哪门子?。Nǐ cāo nǎ xián xīn? Zhè shì gēn nǐ méi guānxi.Why are you bothering with this? It's none of your business.
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