O que é isso?

Just point (or gesture) at the thing you're curious about and say O que é isso?. You can use it for physical objects, like a strange-looking fruit at the market (O que é isso?) or a weird gadget someone is holding (O que é isso?). It also works for sounds (O que é isso? Que barulho é esse? – What is that? What noise is that?), or even a bizarre situation unfolding before you (O que é isso? Por que todo mundo está correndo? – What is this? Why is everyone running?). It's your basic inquiry tool for the unknown. Imagine you're watching a Netflix show and a character says something baffling – you'd probably think, O que é isso?.

O que é isso? is wonderfully flexible. It's perfectly fine in casual chats with friends, family, or even strangers in informal settings. You can use it when ordering food via an app if something looks weird on the menu, or when a delivery driver hands you a package that doesn't seem right. It’s also acceptable in slightly more formal situations if the context warrants genuine surprise or confusion, like at a work meeting when a technical term you don't know is used. However, in *very* formal settings or when asking about something sensitive, you might want a more polite phrasing. It’s like wearing jeans: mostly okay, but maybe not for a black-tie gala.

• You see a peculiar dessert on a restaurant menu: O que é isso? Parece interessante. (What is that? It looks interesting.)
• Your friend sends you a bizarre meme: O que é isso no seu celular? 😂 (What is that on your phone? 😂)
• You hear a strange buzzing sound in your hotel room: O que é isso? Tem algum inseto aqui? (What is that? Is there an insect here?)
• Someone is wearing a truly unique outfit: O que é isso que você está vestindo? É novo? (What is that you're wearing? Is it new?)
• You’re watching a tutorial and the presenter uses an unknown tool: O que é isso que você está usando para cortar? (What is that you're using to cut?)

Use O que é isso? when you encounter something new, unexpected, or confusing. It's great for identifying objects, understanding sounds, or questioning situations. If you're traveling and see a street performer doing something unusual, this is your phrase. Trying a new snack from a friend? O que é isso? Asking about a weird icon on an app? O que é isso? It's perfect for everyday curiosity and mild surprise. It’s your best friend when navigating unfamiliar territory, whether that’s a new city or a new video game level.

Avoid O que é isso? if you're in a highly formal academic presentation or a serious diplomatic meeting unless the situation *truly* calls for it and you're expressing genuine, unexpected confusion. It can sound a bit abrupt or even accusatory if used inappropriately. For instance, don't use it to question someone's motives in a delicate negotiation. Also, if you already know what something is and are just being sarcastic, there might be better ways to express that. It's not ideal for expressing deep philosophical questions either; it's more for the immediate, tangible, or observable.

Learners sometimes get confused with word order or use overly complex structures. The most common mistake is perhaps overthinking it! Another pitfall is using it when a more specific question is needed. For example, asking about a person's job with O que é isso? would be weird; you'd ask O que você faz? (What do you do?).

In Brazil, you might hear Que negócio é esse? (What business/thing is this?) which is more informal and sometimes implies a bit more suspicion or bewilderment. In Portugal, while O que é isso? is standard, you might hear slight variations in intonation. Young people might shorten it in texts to O q é isso? or even oq é isso?. Sometimes, context makes it clear you mean 'that' rather than 'this', so O que é aquilo? (What is that over there?) is also common.

• What does O que é isso? mean exactly? It's a direct question asking for the identity of something you're encountering.
• Can I use it for people? Generally no, it’s for objects, sounds, or situations. Asking about a person’s job or role requires a different question.
• Is it rude? Not inherently, but tone and context matter. Keep it for genuine curiosity, not criticism.