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March 24, 2026
干什么(幹甚麼)gànshénme(gan4shen2me5)
干什么 (gàn shénme) translates to 'what are you doing?' or 'what's he up to?'. This phrase is commonly used in casual conversations to inquire about someone's current activity or intentions, often reflecting curiosity or concern.
Frequency#892DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, asking '干什么' reflects a community-oriented mindset where people show interest in each other's activities, which is a value in social interactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a busy bee (干, gàn) buzzing around, trying to find out what everyone is doing (什么, shénme). Picture the bee asking each flower, 'What are you doing?' to gather the sweetest nectar.
Meanings of 干什么
gànshénme(gan4shen2me5)
1what are you doing?
2what's he up to?
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About 干什么
干什么Simplified
幹甚麼Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1YCTL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 干什么
Podcast: 干什么
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AI Study Notes for 干什么
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a busy bee (干, gàn) buzzing around, trying to find out what everyone is doing (什么, shénme). Picture the bee asking each flower, 'What are you doing?' to gather the sweetest nectar.
Usage Notes
This phrase is informal and primarily used in casual contexts. Learners often confuse 干什么 with the more formal alternatives; however, it's essential to use it appropriately among friends or family. Be mindful of the rising tone in '什么' to ensure clarity.
HSK Study Tips
干什么 is not part of HSK levels but connects to basic conversational phrases. Students should focus on recognizing it in dialogues and practicing its use in everyday situations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, asking '干什么' reflects a community-oriented mindset where people show interest in each other's activities, which is a value in social interactions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often drop the '什么' when asking, saying just '干' instead, which loses the meaning. Always use the full phrase: 干什么 to convey the correct question.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 干什么
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Cultural Notes for 干什么
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, asking '干什么' reflects a community-oriented mindset where people show interest in each other's activities, which is a value in social interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 干什么
You can respond by describing your current activity, such as '我在学习' (wǒ zài xuéxí) meaning 'I am studying.'
It's best to avoid using 干什么 in formal settings; consider more polite phrases instead.
No, you can also use it to ask yourself what you are doing in a reflective manner.
