什么 vs 哪 (shénme vs nǎ): which question word to use
什么 (shénme) means 'what' and asks for the identity of something without limiting the possible answers. 哪 (nǎ) means 'which' and implies a choice from a known or implied set of options. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are asking an open-ended question or selecting from specific alternatives.
什么 (shénme) and 哪 (nǎ) are both question words, but they operate differently. 什么 asks for the identity or nature of something in an open, unrestricted way — equivalent to English 'what'. 哪 asks for a selection from a known or understood set of options — equivalent to English 'which'. The key to choosing correctly is to think about whether the answer is limited to a specific group (use 哪) or completely free (use 什么).
When to use each
Use 什么 when you are asking an open-ended question about the identity, type, or nature of something. It does not presuppose a limited set of answers. For example, asking for a name, an object, or a reason.
什么 can also be used in exclamations or to express surprise (e.g., 什么！). It is neutral in register and extremely common.
Use 哪 when the answer must be chosen from a specific, usually known set of possibilities. It is often followed by a measure word or classifier (e.g., 哪个, 哪些, 哪本书). The set may be implied by context or explicitly mentioned.
哪 can also be used rhetorically to mean 'how' or 'where' in certain fixed expressions (e.g., 哪里哪里), but in question-word usage it always implies a selection.
At a glance
| 什么 | 哪 | |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of the answer set | Open, no predefined list | Closed, from a known or implied set |
| English equivalent | What | Which |
| Use with classifiers | 不常与量词连用 (rarely requires a classifier) | 通常带量词 (usually requires a classifier, e.g., 哪个, 哪些, 哪本书) |
| Register / formality | Neutral, very common | Neutral, common |
Examples
- 什么这是什么？Zhè shì shénme?What is this?Open question — any object is possible.
- 什么你想吃什么？Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?What do you want to eat?No specific menu is assumed; any food is possible.
- 哪哪个是你的书包？Nǎge shì nǐ de shūbāo?Which one is your backpack?The set is the visible backpacks; the speaker expects a selection.
- 哪你喜欢哪种颜色？Nǐ xǐhuān nǎ zhǒng yánsè?Which color do you like?Implies a limited set of colors (e.g., from a palette).
- 哪你是哪国人？Nǐ shì nǎ guó rén?Which country are you from?The set is all countries, but the question still implies a selection from a finite list of nationalities.
- 什么这是什么？Zhè shì shénme?What is this?Correct; the previous attempt had a typo (么什 reversed).
Common mistakes
- Using 什么 instead of 哪 when the set is clearly limited (e.g., “你是什么国家的？” should be “你是哪国的？”).
- Using 哪 without a classifier when a classifier is needed (e.g., “哪书” → “哪本书”).
- Using 哪 for open-ended questions that have no implied set (e.g., “哪是你的名字？” → “你叫什么名字？”).
- Overusing 什么 in all situations because it feels safer, even when the set is known.
FAQ
- When do I use 什么 vs 哪?
- Use 什么 for open-ended questions where the answer is not limited to a known set. Use 哪 when you are asking for a choice among specific options — often followed by a measure word like 个 or 种.
- Can I use 什么 with a classifier?
- It is uncommon and usually incorrect. 什么 rarely takes a classifier; if you need to specify 'which one', use 哪 + classifier. For example, say 哪本书 (which book), not 什么本书.
- Why is 哪 often followed by 个 (nǎge)?
- 因为 (yinwei) 哪 needs a classifier to link to a noun when the set consists of discrete items. 个 is the most common general classifier, so 哪个 means 'which one'.
- Is 什么 ever used for choosing?
- No, 什么 does not imply selection from a set. If the context strongly suggests a limited set (like flavors of ice cream), using 什么 might be understood but would sound unnatural. Stick to 哪 for choices.