X什么（啊）
what do you mean, X? (pushing back; not a real question)
Structure
形容词／动词 + 什么 (+ 啊)
What it means
Repeat the other person’s word and add 什么 (often with 啊) to push back: “What do you mean, X? It’s not X at all.” It is not a real question.
How it is built
The other speaker’s adjective／verb + 什么 (+ 啊): A：我们点得太多了。B：多什么啊，我们有三个人呢！ (Too much? There are three of us!)
When to use it
Between friends it is blunt but warm, and a modest way to answer praise: 好什么啊，还差得远呢. With a verb it says there’s no need for it: 你争什么啊？今天我请客！ To your boss or a stranger it can sound rude.
Watch out
It is not a question, so there is no 吗: ✗ 多什么吗？ ✓ 多什么啊！ With people above you, answer praise with 哪里哪里 or 还差得远呢 instead.
Examples
A：我们点得太多了。B：多什么啊，我们有三个人呢！
A: We’ve ordered too much. B: Too much? There are three of us!
A：你的汉语真好！B：好什么啊，还差得远呢。
A: Your Chinese is really good! B: Good? I’ve still got a long way to go.
你争什么啊？今天我请客！
What are you fighting me for? It’s my treat today!
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 11: 吃顿好的 (A dinner out)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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