How to challenge a verb with 什么 (shénme)
Verb + 什么 (shénme) + (Obj.) (rhetorical disapproval)
Challenging a verb with "什么 (shénme)"
Verb + 什么 (shénme) + (Obj.) (rhetorical disapproval)
HSK 5VerbsChallenging a verb with "什么 (shénme)"
Rule structure
什么 (shénme) placed after a verb forms a rhetorical question expressing disapproval, impatience, or that the action is unnecessary.
Rule structure
什么 (shénme) placed after a verb forms a rhetorical question expressing disapproval, impatience, or that the action is unnecessary.
Examples
你急什么?
Nǐ jí shénme?
What are you rushing for?
Examples
你急什么?
Nǐ jí shénme?
What are you rushing for?
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Frequently asked questions
How do you express “Challenging a verb with "什么 (shénme)"” in Chinese?
Use the structure: Verb + 什么 (shénme) + (Obj.) (rhetorical disapproval). For example: 你急什么? — “What are you rushing for?”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
你急什么? — “What are you rushing for?”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 5.
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More HSK 5 grammar rules
Making judgments with "算 (suàn)"
Subj. + 算 (suàn) + (是 (shì)) + Noun / Adj.
Using "难怪 (nánguài)" as a verb
这 (zhè) / 也 (yě) + 难怪 (nánguài) + Person
Making "-ize" and "-ify" verbs with "化 (huà)"
Noun / Adj. + 化 (huà) → Verb (to -ize/-ify)
Comparing specifically with "像 (xiàng)"
A + 像 (xiàng) + B + 一样 (yíyàng) / 这么 (zhème) / 那么 (nàme) + Adj.
Comparing "显得 (xiǎnde)" and "看起来 (kànqǐlái)"
Subj. + 显得 (xiǎnde) + Adj. (shows quality) / Subj. + 看起来 (kànqǐlái) + Adj. (looks)
Comparisons with "比起 (bǐqǐ)"
比起 (bǐqǐ) + B + (来 (lái)), A + 更 (gèng) / 比较 (bǐjiào) + Adj.
Comparisons with "不如 (bùrú)"
A + 不如 (bùrú) + B + (那么 (nàme) + Adj.)
Comparing "看起来 (kànqǐlái)" and "看来 (kànlái)"
看起来 (kànqǐlái) + Adj. (visual impression) / 看来 (kànlái) + Clause (inference)
