Definition of what

whatpronoun

gì, thế nào

/wɒt/

Definition of undefined

The word "what" is one of the oldest words in the English language, with its origins dating back to Old English. In Old English, the word "hwæt" (pronounced "hwat") meant "what?" or "which?" and was used to ask for clarification or request more information. It's believed to have come from the Proto-Germanic word "*hwatiz", which is also the source of the Modern German word "was" (meaning "what" or "which"). Over time, the spelling of the word evolved to "what" in Middle English (circa 1100-1500), and its meaning expanded to include expressions like "what's up?" or "what's going on?", although the intrusive "s" before the "t" sound is a relatively recent development, dating back to the 17th century. Today, "what" is one of the most common and versatile words in the English language, used to ask questions, express surprise, or seek information.

namespace

used in questions to ask for particular information about somebody/something

dùng trong câu hỏi để hỏi thông tin cụ thể về ai/cái gì

Example:
  • What is your name?

    Tên bạn là gì?

  • What (= what job) does he do?

    Anh ấy làm gì (= công việc gì)?

  • What time is it?

    Mấy giờ rồi?

  • What kind of music do you like?

    Bạn thích thể loại nhạc nào?

Related words and phrases

the thing or things that; whatever

cái hoặc những thứ đó; bất cứ điều gì

Example:
  • What you need is a good meal.

    Những gì bạn cần là một bữa ăn ngon.

  • Nobody knows what will happen next.

    Không ai biết điều gì sẽ xảy ra tiếp theo.

  • I spent what little time I had with my family.

    Tôi đã dành chút thời gian ít ỏi có được cho gia đình mình.

used to say that you think that something is especially good, bad, etc.

dùng để nói rằng bạn nghĩ điều gì đó đặc biệt tốt, xấu, v.v.

Example:
  • What awful weather!

    Thời tiết khủng khiếp làm sao!

  • What a beautiful house!

    Thật là một ngôi nhà đẹp!

Related words and phrases

Idioms

and what not | and what have you
(informal)and other things of the same type
  • It's full of old toys, books and what not.
    • come what may
    despite any problems or difficulties you may have
  • He promised to support her come what may.
    • get/give somebody what for
    (informal)to be punished/punish somebody severely
  • I'll give her what for if she does that again.
    • or what
    used to emphasize your opinion
  • Is he stupid or what?
    • used when you are not sure about something
  • I don't know if he's a teacher or what.
  • Are we going now or what?
    • say what?
    (North American English, informal)used to express surprise at what somebody has just said
  • ‘He's getting married.’ ‘Say what?’
    • so what?
    (informal)used to show that you think something is not important, especially after somebody has criticized you for it
  • ‘He's fifteen years younger than you!’ ‘So what?’
  • So what if nobody else agrees with me?
    • what?
    used when you have not heard or have not understood something
  • What? I can't hear you.
    • used to show that you have heard somebody and to ask what they want
  • ‘Mummy!’ ‘What?’ ‘I'm thirsty.’
    • used to express surprise or anger
  • ‘It will cost $500.’ ‘What?’
  • ‘I asked her to marry me.’ ‘You what?’
    • what about…?
    used to make a suggestion
  • What about a trip to France?
    • used to introduce somebody/something into the conversation
  • What about you, Joe? Do you like football?
    • what-d’you-call-him/-her/-it/-them | what’s-his/-her/-its/-their-name
    used instead of a name that you cannot remember
  • She's just gone out with old what-d'you-call-him.
    • what for?
    for what purpose or reason?
  • What is this tool for?
  • What did you do that for (= why did you do that)?
  • ‘I need to see a doctor.’ ‘What for?’
    • what if…?
    what would happen if?
  • What if the train is late?
  • What if she forgets to bring it?
    • what of it?
    (informal)used when admitting that something is true, to ask why it should be considered important
  • Yes, I wrote the article. What of it?
    • what’s all that about?
    used to suggest that something you have heard is a stupid idea or does not make sense
  • They dropped their best player. What's all that about?
    • (know) what’s what
    (informal)(know) what things are useful, important, etc.
  • She certainly knows what's what.
    • what’s with somebody?
    (North American English, informal)used to ask why somebody is behaving in a strange way
  • What's with you? You haven't said a word all morning.
    • what’s with something?
    (North American English, informal)used to ask the reason for something
  • What's with all this walking? Can't we take a cab?
    • what with something
    used to list the various reasons for something
  • What with the cold weather and my bad leg, I haven't been out for weeks.