HSK 6, unknown, 11 strokes, radical 口, rank #727, Hard
shá(sha2) T2
1dialectal equivalent of 什麼
2>什么[shén me]
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March 24, 2026
啥shá(sha2)
啥 (shá) is a dialectal equivalent of 什麼 (shén me), meaning 'what.' It is commonly used in informal speech, particularly in certain regions of China. The term conveys inquiry and is often employed to ask for clarification or specifics in a casual context.
Strokes11Radical口Frequency#727DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In some regions, particularly in southern China, 啥 is commonly used in everyday conversation, reflecting regional dialect influences on Mandarin. This highlights the diversity of language use within China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a curious child pointing at something and asking, '啥是这个?' (What is this?) The character 啥 resembles a person with a hand raised, symbolizing the act of questioning.
Meanings of 啥
shá(sha2)
1dialectal equivalent of 什麼
2what?
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 啥
啥Simplified
11Strokes
口Radical
代词dàicípronoun (pron.)Part of Speech
#727Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 啥
Podcast: 啥
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AI Study Notes for 啥
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a curious child pointing at something and asking, '啥是这个?' (What is this?) The character 啥 resembles a person with a hand raised, symbolizing the act of questioning.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 啥 with 什麼, but 啥 is more informal and regionally specific. Be mindful of your audience; use 什麼 in formal situations or writing. Note that 啥 is often used in spoken Mandarin among friends.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, understanding 啥 will enhance conversational skills, particularly in informal settings. Students should practice using it in dialogues and connect it with other question words like 什么 (shén me) and 哪 (nǎ).
Cultural Note
In some regions, particularly in southern China, 啥 is commonly used in everyday conversation, reflecting regional dialect influences on Mandarin. This highlights the diversity of language use within China.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes incorrectly use 啥 in formal contexts, thinking it is interchangeable with 什么. For example, saying '请问你啥问题?' (Please ask what question?) is inappropriate; it should be '请问你有什么问题?' (Please ask what questions do you have?).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 啥
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Grammar Patterns of 啥
啥 functions as a pronoun — it stands in for a noun. Use it in the same positions as nouns (subject before verb, object after). Plurals are formed by adding 们 (我们, 他们). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
你为____让孩子东摇西摆地在河边走?
Why did you let the boy toddle by the river?
Example Sentences for 啥 (10)
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1
你为啥让孩子东摇西摆地在河边走?
nǐ wéi shá ràng hái zǐ dōng yáo xī bǎi dì zài hé biān zǒu?
In some regions, particularly in southern China, 啥 is commonly used in everyday conversation, reflecting regional dialect influences on Mandarin. This highlights the diversity of language use within China.
Word Family of 啥
Words Containing This Character2
啥sháalso pr. [shà]
啥子(dialect) what
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 啥 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 啥
No, 啥 is not commonly used in standard Mandarin as it's more of a dialectal term. In standard Mandarin, 什麼 (shén me) is preferred for asking 'what'. However, you may encounter 啥 in certain regions of China.
The main difference is that 啥 (shá) is a dialectal form, while 什麼 (shén me) is the standard Mandarin term for 'what'. While both serve the same purpose, their usage may vary based on regional dialects and the formality of the conversation.
啥 (shá) is a dialectal equivalent of the word 什麼 (shén me), which means 'what' in Mandarin. It's commonly used in certain Chinese dialects to ask questions about things or to seek clarification.
You can use 啥 in sentences similarly to how you would use 什麼. For example, you might say '你要啥?' (Nǐ yào shá?), which means 'What do you want?'. It's often used in casual conversations, particularly in dialectal contexts.
No, 啥 is primarily used in informal spoken contexts.
It's best to use 啥 in casual conversations; stick with 什么 for formal situations.
Yes, different regions might have unique expressions for 'what', but 啥 is one of the most recognized.
