Significado
Asking to identify an object.
Contexto cultural
Asking 'Що це таке?' in a home is a sign of interest and can lead to long conversations about family history or recipes. You will often hear 'Що то таке?' instead of 'це'. 'То' is used more frequently for objects both near and far. In fast-paced city life, people often shorten it to 'Що це?' or even the surzhyk 'Шо ето?'. Stick to the standard for better clarity. In Canada or the US, older generations might use more archaic forms, but 'Що це таке?' remains the universal standard.
The Pointing Rule
Always point or look directly at the object when saying this to avoid ambiguity.
Tone Matters
A rising intonation at the end makes it a question. A falling, heavy intonation makes it sound like you are angry about a mess.
Significado
Asking to identify an object.
The Pointing Rule
Always point or look directly at the object when saying this to avoid ambiguity.
Tone Matters
A rising intonation at the end makes it a question. A falling, heavy intonation makes it sound like you are angry about a mess.
Be Curious
Ukrainians love explaining their culture. Don't be afraid to ask this phrase often!
Ponte a prueba
Complete the question to ask what an object is.
Що це ____?
We use the neuter form 'таке' for unknown objects.
Which phrase is correct when pointing to a person?
Ви бачите незнайомця. Що ви запитаєте?
'Хто це?' means 'Who is this?' and is used for people.
Complete the dialogue at the market.
Покупець: Вибачте, ____? Продавець: Це свіжий мед.
The buyer is asking about the honey.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You hear a loud 'BANG' in the kitchen.
The past tense 'було' is used for a sound that just happened.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Що vs Хто
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosЩо це ____?
We use the neuter form 'таке' for unknown objects.
Ви бачите незнайомця. Що ви запитаєте?
'Хто це?' means 'Who is this?' and is used for people.
Покупець: Вибачте, ____? Продавець: Це свіжий мед.
The buyer is asking about the honey.
You hear a loud 'BANG' in the kitchen.
The past tense 'було' is used for a sound that just happened.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, 'Що це?' is perfectly fine and very common in casual speech.
Generally no, especially if you are a tourist or learner. It shows interest.
Because 'це' is neuter, and the adjective must agree with it.
Use 'Хто це?' (Who is this?). Never use 'Що' for people.
Yes, 'Що це таке?' is used as a fixed phrase even for multiple things.
You can say 'Що то таке?' using 'то' instead of 'це'.
'Що' is the correct spelling. 'Шо' is how it sounds in speech and is considered informal/slang.
Add the past tense verb: 'Що це таке було?'
Yes, if you attach a photo and want to ask what it is, it's perfectly fine.
Yes, but usually you'd add more context, like 'Що це таке — кохання?' (What is this thing called love?).
Frases relacionadas
Хто це?
similarWho is this?
Що трапилося?
builds onWhat happened?
Як це називається?
specialized formWhat is this called?
Що це за...?
builds onWhat kind of ... is this?
Це що?
synonymThis is what?
