Adding 什么 (shénme) to the end of a verb can be used to change a
sentence into a rhetorical question. This usage is often used with
separable verbs.
Structure
The most common structure you will see is:
Examples
This usage is best illustrated with examples:
- 这么 大 年纪 了，结 什么 婚啊！ The speaker is
implying that getting married at this age is a ridiculous
notion.
- 道 什么 歉，又 不是 你 的 错。 The speaker is
implying that apologizing is completely unnecessary.
- 过 什么 年 啊，还 得 又 送 红包 又 送礼。 The
speaker is implying that celebrating Chinese New Year isn't
economically feasible.
- 没有 钱 看 什么 电影。 The speaker is
implying that there's no money to watch a movie.
- 还 吃 什么 饭，要 迟到 了。 The speaker is
implying that there's no time to eat.
Note that the questions above would likely be between friends,
or at least two people who are quite familiar with each other. Tone
of voice and context is key.
See also
Sources and further
reading
Category:
B2 grammar points Category:Verb phrases