Rhetorical "这又X" — So What?
这又X
Use 这又X to rhetorically dismiss a concern or express "so what" / "what does it matter"
Use 这又 before a rhetorical question word or phrase to challenge or dismiss the relevance of a previous statement. The speaker implies "this doesn't matter" or "what's wrong with that?"
又 here does not mean "again" — it functions as an emphasis particle that adds a challenging, dismissive tone. The pattern is inherently rhetorical: the speaker is not genuinely asking a question but making a point.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Rhetorical "这又X" — So What? (这又X)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 这又X pattern
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Understanding 这又X
The pattern 这又X is a conversational powerhouse for dismissing concerns, challenging assumptions, or expressing a "so what?" attitude. When someone points out something they think is problematic, responding with 这又怎么了？ is like saying "And? What's the big deal?" The key word here is 又, which in this context does not mean "again" but instead adds a layer of rhetorical challenge — it implies the speaker finds the concern irrelevant or overblown. This pattern is extremely common in casual debate and everyday disagreements. It can range from gentle pushback to outright dismissal depending on tone of voice. Mastering this expression will make your Chinese sound natural and give you a tool for navigating those moments when you disagree with someone's logic.
Key Points
- 这又怎么了？ = "So what? What's wrong with that?" — the most common form.
- 又 here is not "again" but a rhetorical emphasis marker that adds a challenging tone.
- The speaker is not truly asking a question — they are making a point that the issue is irrelevant.
- Can be used to defend yourself: 我迟到五分钟，这又怎么了？(I was five minutes late — so what?)
- Can be used to comfort someone: 没考好，这又有什么关系？(Didn't do well on the exam — what does it matter?)
- Tone matters greatly — with a soft voice it is comforting, with a sharp voice it is confrontational.
In Chinese conversations, rhetorical questions are a sophisticated way to express disagreement without directly saying "you're wrong." Using 这又怎么了 allows speakers to challenge without being overtly aggressive — it shifts the burden of proof back to the other person.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
我都看不懂，这又怎么了？
I can't understand any of it — so what?
这诗写得我都看不懂。——这又怎么了？诗本来就不好懂。
This poem is written so I can't understand it. — So what? Poetry is hard to understand by nature.
我没听说过这个牌子。——没听说过就没听说过呗，这又有什么关系？
I've never heard of this brand. — So you haven't, what does it matter?
他不同意我们的计划。——这又怎么样？我们又不需要他的批准。
He doesn't agree with our plan. — So? We don't need his approval.
你的中文有口音。——这又怎么了？能交流就行了。
Your Chinese has an accent. — So what? Being able to communicate is enough.
她比你大三岁。——这又有什么关系？年龄不重要。
She's three years older than you. — What does that matter? Age isn't important.
别人都去了，就你没去。——这又怎么样？我不想去。
Everyone else went, only you didn't. — So what? I didn't want to go.
Common Mistakes
Do not insert 是 between 又 and the question word. The pattern is 这又 directly followed by the rhetorical question.
Use 又, not 再. Although both can mean "again" in other contexts, only 又 works as a rhetorical challenge particle here.
The word order is fixed: 这 comes first, then 又, then the question. Do not put 又 before 这.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Practice your tone when using 这又怎么了 — a gentle tone means comfort, a sharp tone means confrontation.
This is a great expression for self-encouragement: 失败了，这又怎么了？再试一次！(Failed — so what? Try again!)
Pair it with a follow-up reason to make your dismissal more convincing: 这又怎么了？+ [reason why it doesn't matter].
Listen for this pattern in Chinese TV dramas — it appears in almost every argument scene.
Homework
Write five short dialogues where Person A states a concern or criticism and Person B responds using 这又 + a rhetorical question. Vary between 怎么了, 怎么样, and 有什么关系.