A1 Expression 중립

What's wrong?

Asks about a problem.

Used to ask why someone is upset or what the problem is.

🌍

문화적 배경

Americans are often very direct. If they ask 'What's wrong?', they usually expect a brief explanation of the problem, even if it's just 'I'm just tired.' The British might use 'What's wrong?' but often prefer 'Are you alright?' or 'You okay?'. A common response is 'I'm fine' even when things are not fine. In Japan, asking 'What's wrong?' (Dōshita no?) is common among friends, but in public, people try to hide their distress to avoid bothering others. Germans value honesty. If you ask 'What's wrong?', be prepared for a very honest and detailed answer about the person's problems!

💡

Tone Matters

Use a soft, falling-then-rising tone to sound kind. A flat, loud tone can sound like you are annoyed.

⚠️

Avoid 'With You'

Unless you are actually arguing with someone, avoid adding 'with you' to the end of the phrase.

Used to ask why someone is upset or what the problem is.

💡

Tone Matters

Use a soft, falling-then-rising tone to sound kind. A flat, loud tone can sound like you are annoyed.

⚠️

Avoid 'With You'

Unless you are actually arguing with someone, avoid adding 'with you' to the end of the phrase.

🎯

The 'Nothing' Response

If someone says 'Nothing' when you ask 'What's wrong?', they might not be ready to talk. Don't push too hard.

셀프 테스트

Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.

What's wrong ____ your phone? It keeps turning off.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: with

We always use 'with' to connect 'wrong' to the object or person having the problem.

Which response is most appropriate?

Speaker A: 'What's wrong?' Speaker B: '________'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: I'm fine, thanks.

'I'm fine' is a standard way to say there is no problem.

Fill in the missing phrase.

A: You look like you've been crying. ________? B: My cat is sick.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: What's wrong

Since the person is crying, 'What's wrong?' is the most empathetic and natural choice.

Match the phrase to the situation.

You see smoke coming out of your toaster.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: What's wrong with this toaster?

You are troubleshooting a broken appliance.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

Kind vs. Unkind

Kind (Empathy)
What's wrong? What's wrong?
Is everything okay? Is everything okay?
Unkind (Accusation)
What's wrong with you? What's wrong with you?
What's your problem? What's your problem?

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition. Fill Blank A1

What's wrong ____ your phone? It keeps turning off.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: with

We always use 'with' to connect 'wrong' to the object or person having the problem.

Which response is most appropriate? Choose A1

Speaker A: 'What's wrong?' Speaker B: '________'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: I'm fine, thanks.

'I'm fine' is a standard way to say there is no problem.

Fill in the missing phrase. dialogue_completion A2

A: You look like you've been crying. ________? B: My cat is sick.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: What's wrong

Since the person is crying, 'What's wrong?' is the most empathetic and natural choice.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching A1

You see smoke coming out of your toaster.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: What's wrong with this toaster?

You are troubleshooting a broken appliance.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes! You can say 'What's wrong with the car?' to ask about mechanical problems.

No, it's usually very kind. It only sounds rude if you use an angry voice or add 'with you'.

They are almost exactly the same. 'What's the matter?' is slightly more formal/traditional.

You can say 'Nothing, I'm fine' or explain the problem: 'I'm just a bit stressed.'

Both are correct. 'What's wrong' is much more common in speaking.

Yes, if you are asking why another person is acting strangely or looks upset.

Yes, 'wrong' implies a problem or a negative state.

It's better to use 'What is the issue?' or 'Is there a problem?' in formal emails.

It's better to ask 'Is everything okay?' as it is less direct.

It's an old spelling from hundreds of years ago when the 'w' was actually pronounced!

관련 표현

🔄

What's the matter?

synonym

Asking about a problem.

🔗

What's up?

similar

A general greeting or inquiry.

🔗

Is everything okay?

similar

Checking if there's a problem.

🔗

What gives?

informal

Asking why something strange is happening.

🔗

What's the catch?

specialized form

Asking what the hidden problem is in a good deal.

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