Chinese phrases
How to say what is this in Chinese
What is this in Chinese is 这是什么 (zhè shì shén me). Point at the thing and ask: it works for food, signs and anything in a shop.
这是什么
what is this?
In speech, 这个 often sounds like zhèi ge, and 那个 like nèi ge. Both are normal.
Ways to say what is this
这是什么
Everydaywhat is this?
Point at anything: a dish, a sign, a gadget in a shop.
这个是什么
Everydaywhat is this one?
The same question with 这个, “this one”. Very common when you point at one thing among many.
那是什么
Everydaywhat is that?
For something further away: across the street, on a high shelf, on another table.
这个叫什么
Everydaywhat is this called?
When you want the name: a fruit you have never seen, a dish, a tool.
这是干什么用的
Everydaywhat is this for?
For a button, a tool or a gadget when you cannot see what it does.
这是什么菜
Everydaywhat dish is this?
In a restaurant or at a buffet, about a dish in front of you.
这是啥
With friendswhat’s this?
Northern and casual. You hear it among friends all over China, and in chats.
What to ask next
这个多少钱
how much is this?
In a shop or at a market.
这个怎么吃
how do you eat this?
For a fruit you have never tried or a dish with things on the side.
这个辣不辣
is this spicy?
Before you order or taste.
能尝一下吗
can I try a little?
At a market stall with fruit or snacks.
Common mistakes
Saying 什么是这个
English starts with “what”, but Chinese keeps 什么 where the answer goes: 这是什么? Answer: 这是苹果. 什么是… asks for a definition, as in 什么是二维码?, “What is a QR code?”
Adding 吗 to 这是什么
什么 already makes the question, so do not add 吗. 吗 goes on a yes-no question, as in 你知道这是什么吗?, “Do you know what this is?”
Using 什么 for a person
这是什么 is for things. To ask about a person in a photo or at a party, say 这是谁?
At a street stall
老板，这是什么？
Leon: Excuse me, what’s this?
糖葫芦，山楂做的。
Vendor: Tanghulu. It’s made of hawthorn.
怎么卖？
Leon: How much?
十块一串。
Vendor: Ten yuan a stick.
来一串！
Leon: One, please!
