Meaning
Used to ask why someone is upset or what the problem is.
Cultural Background
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.
Meaning
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.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
What's wrong ____ your phone? It keeps turning off.
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: '________'
'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.
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.
You are troubleshooting a broken appliance.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Kind vs. Unkind
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhat's wrong ____ your phone? It keeps turning off.
We always use 'with' to connect 'wrong' to the object or person having the problem.
Speaker A: 'What's wrong?' Speaker B: '________'
'I'm fine' is a standard way to say there is no problem.
A: You look like you've been crying. ________? B: My cat is sick.
Since the person is crying, 'What's wrong?' is the most empathetic and natural choice.
You see smoke coming out of your toaster.
You are troubleshooting a broken appliance.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! 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!
Related Phrases
What's the matter?
synonymAsking about a problem.
What's up?
similarA general greeting or inquiry.
Is everything okay?
similarChecking if there's a problem.
What gives?
informalAsking why something strange is happening.
What's the catch?
specialized formAsking what the hidden problem is in a good deal.
