Signification
Asking about an event that occurred.
Contexte culturel
Russians are known for being direct. Asking 'Что случилось?' is not considered nosy if someone looks upset; it's considered caring. In many Russian-speaking countries, this phrase is used as a way to start a 'soul-to-soul' (по душам) talk. On Russian social media (VK, Telegram), 'Что случилось?' is a common comment on 'vague-booking' posts where someone implies they are having a bad day. This phrase is a classic 'inciting incident' line in Russian drama, from Chekhov to modern noir films.
The 'Sh' Sound
Remember that 'Что' is always pronounced 'Shto', never 'Chto'. This is a common beginner mistake.
Don't over-use it
If you ask 'Что случилось?' too often when nothing is wrong, you might sound paranoid or anxious.
Signification
Asking about an event that occurred.
The 'Sh' Sound
Remember that 'Что' is always pronounced 'Shto', never 'Chto'. This is a common beginner mistake.
Don't over-use it
If you ask 'Что случилось?' too often when nothing is wrong, you might sound paranoid or anxious.
Be ready to listen
In Russia, this question is a serious one. Don't ask it if you're in a rush to leave!
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb.
Я слышал крик. Что ________? (случиться)
'Что' is neuter, so we use the '-ось' ending.
Choose the best response for the situation.
Друг: (выглядит очень грустным) Вы: ________
When someone looks sad, 'Что случилось?' is the most empathetic and natural question.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see a car accident on the road.
You use this to ask about an event or accident.
Which sentence is grammatically correct to ask 'What happened to you?'
...
The preposition 'с' (with) + Instrumental case is used to specify who the event happened to.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesЯ слышал крик. Что ________? (случиться)
'Что' is neuter, so we use the '-ось' ending.
Друг: (выглядит очень грустным) Вы: ________
When someone looks sad, 'Что случилось?' is the most empathetic and natural question.
You see a car accident on the road.
You use this to ask about an event or accident.
...
The preposition 'с' (with) + Instrumental case is used to specify who the event happened to.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in almost any situation, from talking to a child to talking to a police officer.
If nothing happened, say 'Ничего' (Nothing) or 'Всё нормально' (Everything is fine). If something did happen, start your story!
No. 'Что случилось?' implies that something *specific* happened, usually something bad or unusual. For 'What's up?', use 'Как дела?' or 'Что нового?'.
Because the subject is 'что', which is always neuter in Russian grammar. Neuter past tense verbs end in '-о' (or '-ось' for reflexive verbs).
'Случилось' is more common in speech and personal contexts. 'Произошло' is more formal and often used for official events or accidents.
No, this specific form is past tense. For the future, you would say 'Что случится?' (What will happen?).
Not if there is an obvious reason to ask, like if they dropped something or look hurt. It's seen as helpful.
Not always, but about 80% of the time it does. It can also just mean 'What happened?' regarding a neutral event you missed.
Expressions liées
Что произошло?
synonymWhat happened? (slightly more formal)
Что стряслось?
similarWhat happened? (more urgent/informal)
Что такое?
similarWhat is it? / What's the matter?
В чём дело?
similarWhat's the matter? / What's the point?
Что не так?
similarWhat's wrong?
