这是什么？
What is this?
Literalmente: 这 (This) + 是 (is) + 什么 (what)?
Point at an object and say this to learn its name and start a conversation.
En 15 segundos
- The basic way to ask 'What is this?' in Chinese.
- Use it for objects, food, and mystery items.
- Keep it friendly to avoid sounding rude or demanding.
Significado
This is your go-to question for identifying mystery objects. It is the simplest way to ask 'What is this?' when pointing at something new.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 7At a street food stall
这是什么？好香啊！
What is this? It smells so good!
Opening a mysterious gift
这是什么？谢谢你！
What is this? Thank you!
In a formal business meeting looking at a sample
请问，这是什么材料？
May I ask, what material is this?
Contexto cultural
This phrase is the gateway to 'Object-Oriented' learning in China. Historically, it reflects the curiosity of trade along the Silk Road. Today, it is the most common phrase used by tourists and expats to navigate daily life.
The 'Pointing' Rule
In China, it is okay to point at objects while saying this, but try to use your whole hand (palm up) in formal settings to be extra polite.
Not for People!
Never use this for a person. It sounds like you are calling them an 'it'. Use `这位是谁？` (Who is this person?) instead.
En 15 segundos
- The basic way to ask 'What is this?' in Chinese.
- Use it for objects, food, and mystery items.
- Keep it friendly to avoid sounding rude or demanding.
What It Means
这是什么 is the ultimate survival phrase in Chinese. It is direct and functional. You use it to identify objects you don't recognize. It is the verbal equivalent of pointing your finger. It helps you learn new vocabulary on the fly.
How To Use It
You can use it exactly like the English version. Just point at an item and say the phrase. You do not need to change the word order. In Chinese, the question word 什么 stays at the end. It feels very natural and easy to remember. Use a rising tone at the end for clarity.
When To Use It
Use it at a street food stall for mystery snacks. Use it when a friend gives you a gift. It is perfect for shopping at a local market. Use it when you see a strange gadget in a shop. It is great for sparking a conversation with locals. They usually love explaining their culture to you.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it to refer to people. That would be very rude and dehumanizing. For people, you should ask 这是谁? instead. Do not use it if you sound annoyed. It might come off as 'What on earth is this garbage?' Tone matters a lot here. Keep your voice light and curious.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture is deeply rooted in food and objects. Asking 这是什么 is seen as a sign of interest. It shows you are curious about the local lifestyle. In markets, it is the start of every transaction. It bridges the gap between a stranger and a guest. It is the first phrase many children learn.
Common Variations
You can shorten it to 这是? in very casual settings. You can add 请问 at the start to be polite. Adding 这个 makes it 'What is this specific one?' If the object is far away, use 那是什么. These small tweaks help you sound more like a native. Don't worry about being perfect yet.
Notas de uso
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. Just remember to use a polite tone with elders or in professional settings.
The 'Pointing' Rule
In China, it is okay to point at objects while saying this, but try to use your whole hand (palm up) in formal settings to be extra polite.
Not for People!
Never use this for a person. It sounds like you are calling them an 'it'. Use `这位是谁？` (Who is this person?) instead.
The 'Mystery Meat' Savior
If you are a picky eater, learn this phrase first. It will save you from many culinary surprises at local diners!
Ejemplos
7这是什么？好香啊！
What is this? It smells so good!
Adding a compliment makes the vendor more likely to give you a sample.
这是什么？谢谢你！
What is this? Thank you!
A polite way to show excitement about a present.
请问，这是什么材料？
May I ask, what material is this?
Adding 'please ask' makes it professional.
这是什么？太可怕了！
What is this? It's so scary!
Commonly used in digital chats when sharing photos.
妈妈，这是什么？
Mom, what is this?
The most basic way children learn language.
这是什么费用？
What is this fee?
Useful for clarifying charges or prices.
天呐，这是什么？
Oh my god, what is this?
Used for humorous or slightly disgusted reactions.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the question to ask what the object is.
这是___？
`什么` means 'what', which is required to identify an object.
How do you ask 'What is this?' politely?
___，这是什么？
`请问` (Qǐngwèn) means 'May I ask' and adds a layer of politeness.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of '这是什么？'
Shortened to '这是?' with friends.
这是？
Standard usage for daily life.
这是什么？
Adding polite prefixes for strangers.
请问这是什么？
Where to use '这是什么？'
Night Market
Asking about snacks
Office
Asking about a document
Home
Finding a lost item
Gift Giving
Opening a box
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, Chinese uses 'SVO' order for questions too. You just replace the object with 什么 and keep the rest the same.
For far things, change 这 (this) to 那 (that). So it becomes 那是什么？ (Nà shì shénme?).
It is not rude, but it is very direct. Adding 请问 (qǐng wèn) at the beginning makes it much softer.
You just say 这是 followed by the name of the object. For example, 这是苹果 (This is an apple).
Yes! If something weird is happening, you can say 这是什么情况？ which means 'What is going on here?'
In casual speech, people often just say 这是？ while pointing, leaving the 什么 implied.
A common slangy way to say 'What is this?' in a confused way is 啥玩意儿？ (Shá wányì er?), popular in Northern China.
You add the category after 什么. For example, 这是什么书？ (What kind of book is this?).
Absolutely. You can use it for files, apps, or links by saying 这是什么链接？ (What is this link?).
啥 (shá) is a very common informal replacement for 什么 in spoken Chinese, especially in the north.
Frases relacionadas
那是什么？
What is that?
这是谁？
Who is this?
这是什么意思？
What does this mean?
这个多少钱？
How much is this?
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