For many learners of Chinese, understanding the nuances between different characters and phrases can be challenging. Two such terms that often cause confusion are 什么 (Shénme) and 甚么 (Shènme). Although these terms look similar and sound somewhat alike, they have distinct meanings and uses in the Chinese language. In this article, we will delve into the differences between 什么 (Shénme) and 甚么 (Shènme), helping you understand how to use each term correctly.
什么 (Shénme) is one of the first words that many Chinese learners encounter. It translates to what in English and is used to ask questions about objects, actions, or situations. For example, if you want to ask someone what they are doing, you would say, “你在做什么？” (Nǐ zài zuò shénme?), which means, “What are you doing?”
Here are a few more examples of how 什么 (Shénme) is used in sentences:
– “这是什么？” (Zhè shì shénme?) – “What is this?”
– “你想吃什么？” (Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?) – “What do you want to eat?”
– “你说什么？” (Nǐ shuō shénme?) – “What did you say?”
In these examples, 什么 (Shénme) is used to inquire about the nature or identity of something. It is a versatile interrogative word that can be used in various contexts to ask questions.
On the other hand, 甚么 (Shènme) is an older, more archaic term that translates to very or so in English. It is not commonly used in modern spoken Chinese, but you might encounter it in classical literature, poetry, or formal writing. 甚么 (Shènme) is often used to emphasize the degree or extent of something.
For instance, in classical Chinese literature, you might come across a sentence like “甚么高” (Shènme gāo), which means “very tall.” Another example could be “甚么快” (Shènme kuài), meaning “very fast.” In these examples, 甚么 (Shènme) is used to emphasize the adjective that follows it.
Here are a few more examples from classical Chinese:
– “甚么美” (Shènme měi) – “very beautiful”
– “甚么大” (Shènme dà) – “very big”
– “甚么好” (Shènme hǎo) – “very good”
Although 甚么 (Shènme) is not commonly used in contemporary spoken Chinese, it is still important to recognize and understand it, especially if you are studying classical Chinese literature or formal writing.
To further illustrate the difference between 什么 (Shénme) and 甚么 (Shènme), let’s look at a few more examples that highlight their distinct uses:
1. “你买了什么？” (Nǐ mǎi le shénme?) – “What did you buy?”
2. “这本书写得甚么好” (Zhè běn shū xiě de shènme hǎo) – “This book is written very well.”
In the first example, 什么 (Shénme) is used to ask about the object that was bought. In the second example, 甚么 (Shènme) is used to emphasize the quality of the book’s writing.
Understanding the context in which each term is used is crucial for mastering their meanings. While 什么 (Shénme) is a common, everyday term used in questions, 甚么 (Shènme) is more formal and literary, used to emphasize adjectives.
Moreover, it’s important to note that 甚么 (Shènme) has largely been replaced by other terms in modern Chinese. For example, to say “very” in contemporary Mandarin, you would use 非常 (Fēicháng) or 很 (Hěn). So, instead of saying “甚么高” (Shènme gāo), you would say “非常高” (Fēicháng gāo) or “很高” (Hěn gāo).
Here are some modern equivalents for emphasis:
– “非常美” (Fēicháng měi) – “very beautiful”
– “很大” (Hěn dà) – “very big”
– “特别好” (Tèbié hǎo) – “especially good”
These modern terms are more commonly used in everyday conversation and writing, making them more relevant for most learners of Chinese.
In summary, while 什么 (Shénme) and 甚么 (Shènme) may look and sound similar, they serve different functions in the Chinese language. 什么 (Shénme) is a versatile interrogative word used to ask questions about objects, actions, or situations. On the other hand, 甚么 (Shènme) is an archaic term used to emphasize the degree or extent of something, primarily found in classical literature and formal writing.
Understanding these differences will not only improve your comprehension of Chinese texts but also enhance your ability to communicate effectively in various contexts. As you continue your language learning journey, pay attention to the context in which these terms are used, and practice using their modern equivalents for emphasis in everyday conversation. Happy learning!
