VerbsHSK 5
Challenging a verb with 什么
Use the pattern 'Verb + 什么 + Verb' to form a rhetorical question that challenges someone's action, implying it is unnecessary or inappropriate. This structure adds a sarcastic or critical tone, often used in spoken Chinese.
Structure
Verb + 什么 + Verb
used to challenge the action, often with a rhetorical, critical tone
Examples
- 你买什么买，钱都花光了。Nǐ mǎi shénme mǎi , qián dōu huā guāng le.Buy what, now? We spent all of our money.
- 你哭什么哭，又不是没有你的礼物。Nǐ kū shénme kū , yòu bù shì méiyǒu nǐ de lǐwù.What are you crying for? It's not like there's no gift for you.
- 你笑什么笑，看我做错了，你很开心吗？Nǐ xiào shénme xiào , kàn wǒ zuò cuò le, nǐ hěn kāixīn ma?What are you laughing at? Does seeing me make mistakes make you happy?
- 你说什么说，大家都不说话，就你说话。Nǐ shuō shénme shuō , dàjiā dōu bù shuōhuà, jiù nǐ shuōhuà.Why are you talking? Everyone else isn't saying a word, it's just you talking.
- 你看什么看，没见过美女啊？Nǐ kàn shénme kàn , méi jiàn guo měinǚ a?What are you looking at? Haven't you seen a pretty girl before?