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 shén me 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 shén me kū, yòu bú shì méi yǒu nǐ de lǐ wù.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 shén me xiào, kàn wǒ zuò cuò le, nǐ hěn kāi xīn 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 shén me shuō, dà jiā dōu bù shuō huà, jiù nǐ shuō huà.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 shén me kàn, méi jiàn guò měi nǚ a?What are you looking at? Haven't you seen a pretty girl before?