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How to Say ‘What kind’ in Simplified Chinese

什么样

💬 Usage Tip: [什么] means 'what' and [样] means 'kind or type.' It's a basic question structure.

🇨🇳 In China: Useful for exploring options, especially in shopping or dining.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

什么

[shén me]

what; which

Used to ask about choice/type. In ordering: 什么口味 / 什么做法 (“what flavor / what cooking method”).

Example

你想要什么样的烹饪方式?

What kind of cooking method would you like?

[yàng]

type; kind; style (as in 什么样 = what kind)

Refers to “style/type.” Often used with 的: 什么样的… (“what kind of…”).

Example

这家店有什么样的炒菜?

What kinds of stir-fried dishes does this restaurant have?

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