nǎ 哪 vs shénme 什么 – which vs what
Spoken Description
学习哪个和什么的常用方法：哪问范围，什么问更泛泛。通过例句区分用法，理解哪后面接名词和句子，什么对应“什么东西”或“什么做法”。逐步练习区别，背单词和搭配，日常会话使用更自然。
Learn the common uses of 'which' and 'what': 'which' asks for a range or choice, while 'what' is more general, asking about content or things. Practice with example sentences to understand when to use each, along with vocabulary and collocations for natural speech.
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Mandarin distinguishes between nǎ 哪 “which” and shénme 什么 “what” based on whether you’re selecting from a known set or asking for general information. This short guide explains their typical uses.
Nǎ 哪 – Which
使用 nǎ 哪，当你期望答案来自一个有限的范围或当问题暗示在可识别的选项中做出选择时。它常常出现在分类词或名词之前，界定出范围。
Use nǎ 哪 when you expect the answer to come from a limited group or when the question implies a choice among identifiable options. It often appears before a classifier or noun that frames the set.
Examples
Shénme 什么 – What
使用 shénme 什么，用于开放式的问题，当你在询问一般信息、未定义的事物，或类别没有限制时。它可以单独使用，也可以修饰名词。
Use shénme 什么 for open-ended questions when you’re asking for general information, an undefined thing, or when the category is not restricted. It can stand alone or modify a noun.
Examples
When to Use Each
If you can point to a group or have in mind a set of alternatives, use nǎ 哪; if you want to know the nature of something or an unspecified item, use shénme 什么. Sometimes context determines which sounds natural.
Summary
nǎ 哪 asks for a selection from known options (“which”), while shénme 什么 asks for general information (“what”). Pay attention to whether the question triggers a choice within a set or an open-ended answer.
Quick Reference
Keep in mind that nǎ 哪 usually pairs with a classifier and that shénme 什么 can function more broadly. Practice swapping them in sample questions to feel the difference.
Additional Examples
Related Expressions
Expressions like nǎlǐ 哪里 “where” and nǎnián 哪年 “which year” follow the same pattern as nǎ 哪, consistently prompting a choice within a set.
Summary
Use nǎ 哪 for selecting among options and shénme 什么 for open-ended “what” questions; match nǎ 哪 with classifiers and think about whether the answer is limited or general.
Summary
nǎ 哪 marks a choice within known options, while shénme 什么 asks for general information; use them according to whether you want “which” or “what” in context.
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