When used at the end of a sentence, 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng) functions as an informal question asking for an opinion, suggestion, or status update. It's similar to asking "How is it?" or "What do you think?" in English. For example, if someone asks you "这个怎么样？" (Zhège zěnmeyàng?), they are asking "How is this one?" or "What about this one?". You can also use it to ask about a person's well-being, like "你最近怎么样？" (Nǐ zuìjìn zěnmeyàng?), meaning "How have you been lately?". This phrase is very versatile and commonly used in everyday conversations to keep the dialogue flowing and engage the other person.
怎么样 in 30 Seconds
- Use to ask 'how is it?'
- Great for asking opinions
- Can suggest alternatives
§ Asking for Opinions
The most common way you'll hear 怎么样 is when someone is asking for an opinion or feedback. It's super flexible and can be tacked onto almost anything. Think of it as 'how is it?' or 'what do you think?'
这个计划怎么样？ (How is this plan?)
你觉得他这个人怎么样？ (What do you think of him as a person?)
§ Suggesting or Proposing Something
Another common use for 怎么样 is to propose an idea or suggest an activity. It's like saying 'how about...?' or 'what about...?' This is great for making plans or offering alternatives.
我们今天晚上去看电影怎么样？ (How about we go see a movie tonight?)
这个周末我们去爬山，你觉得怎么样？ (How do you feel about us going hiking this weekend?)
You'll hear this a lot in social settings, whether you're with friends, family, or colleagues trying to decide on something.
§ Asking About Current Conditions or Status
Sometimes, 怎么样 is used to inquire about the current state or condition of someone or something. It's often used when checking in on someone's well-being or the progress of a situation.
你最近身体怎么样？ (How's your health lately?)
你工作找得怎么样了？ (How's your job search going?)
§ In Professional Settings (Work and School)
You might think 怎么样 is too informal for work or school, but it's actually quite common, especially in less formal discussions or when asking for quick feedback.
- At work:
这个月的销售业绩怎么样？ (How are this month's sales figures?)
我们开个会讨论一下，怎么样？ (How about we have a meeting to discuss it?)
- At school:
你觉得这次考试怎么样？ (What do you think of this exam?)
我们一起做这个项目怎么样？ (How about we do this project together?)
In both these contexts, 怎么样 maintains its function of inquiring about status or proposing an action. It's a quick and efficient way to get a pulse on a situation or move a discussion forward.
§ In News or Media
While you won't hear 怎么样 in formal news reports, you might encounter it in interviews, panel discussions, or more casual news segments where opinions are being solicited.
观众朋友们，对于今天的节目，你们觉得怎么样？ (Viewers, what do you think of today's program?)
对于这项新政策，专家们有什么看法，情况怎么样？ (What are the experts' views on this new policy, how's the situation?)
In these cases, it's about engaging the audience or guests in a more conversational manner.
- DEFINITION
- how is that? what about?
§ What "怎么样" Means
- Chinese Word
- 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng)
- Definition
- how is that? what about?
In simple terms, 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng) is a super common and useful phrase in Chinese. It's like asking "How is it?" or "What do you think?" It's used for asking about situations, opinions, or making suggestions. Think of it as your go-to phrase when you want to check in or propose something.
§ Asking About a Situation or Condition
You can use 怎么样 to ask about how something is going or how someone is feeling. It's a quick way to get an update.
你身体怎么样？
- Translation Hint
- How is your body/health?
这个电影怎么样？
- Translation Hint
- How is this movie?
§ Asking for an Opinion or Suggestion
When you want to know what someone thinks or if they like an idea, 怎么样 is perfect. It's a natural way to invite feedback.
我们明天去吃饭，怎么样？
- Translation Hint
- We'll go eat tomorrow, how about that?
这件衣服怎么样？
- Translation Hint
- How about this piece of clothing?
§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives
While 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng) is very versatile, you'll encounter other question words that seem similar. Let's break down the differences so you know exactly when to use each one.
- 怎么 (zěnme) vs. 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng)
This is the most common confusion point. Think of 怎么 as asking "how" something is done, focusing on the method or manner. 怎么样, on the other hand, asks for an evaluation, an opinion, or the overall condition.
你怎么去学校？
- Translation Hint
- How do you go to school? (Method: by bus, by bike, etc.)
你去学校怎么样？
- Translation Hint
- How is it (going) that you go to school? / How do you like going to school? (Opinion: good, bad, tiring, etc.)
- 为什么 (wèishénme)
This one is easy: 为什么 means "why." It asks for a reason or a cause. It's completely different from 怎么样.
你为什么学习中文？
- Translation Hint
- Why do you study Chinese?
- 如何 (rúhé)
如何 also means "how," but it's much more formal than 怎么 or 怎么样. You'll often see it in written instructions, official documents, or very polite speech. As a beginner, stick to 怎么 and 怎么样 for everyday conversations.
请说明如何使用本软件。
- Translation Hint
- Please explain how to use this software.
To sum it up, 怎么样 is your flexible friend for general inquiries about status or opinions. 怎么 is for methods, and 为什么 is for reasons. Keep practicing, and you'll get the hang of it!
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'zèn' as 'zen' instead of 'tsen'
- Not aspirating the 'j' sound correctly
Difficulty Rating
short and common characters
short and common characters
very common and easy to pronounce
very common in everyday speech
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Examples by Level
你觉得这个主意怎么样？
What do you think of this idea?
怎么样 (zěnmeyàng) is used here to ask for an opinion.
我们今天晚上去看电影怎么样？
How about we go see a movie tonight?
怎么样 (zěnmeyàng) is used to make a suggestion.
你最近工作怎么样？顺利吗？
How's your work lately? Going smoothly?
怎么样 (zěnmeyàng) asks about the general situation or condition.
这件衣服怎么样？你喜欢吗？
How about this piece of clothing? Do you like it?
怎么样 (zěnmeyàng) is used to ask for an opinion on an item.
你觉得他的新歌怎么样？
What do you think of his new song?
怎么样 (zěnmeyàng) asks for an evaluation or opinion.
去中国旅游怎么样？我一直想去。
How about traveling to China? I've always wanted to go.
怎么样 (zěnmeyàng) makes a suggestion or asks for an opinion on an activity.
你身体怎么样？好点了吗？
How's your health? Are you feeling better?
怎么样 (zěnmeyàng) asks about a person's physical condition.
我们把会议改到下周一怎么样？
How about we move the meeting to next Monday?
怎么样 (zěnmeyàng) is used to propose a change.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
你怎么样？
How are you?
这个主意怎么样？
How about this idea?
我们去吃饭怎么样？
How about we go eat?
今天天气怎么样？
How is the weather today?
考试结果怎么样？
How are the exam results?
你对这个项目怎么样看？
What do you think about this project?
这个周末我们见面怎么样？
How about we meet this weekend?
你的新工作怎么样？
How is your new job?
这部小说怎么样？
How is this novel?
你想吃什么，怎么样？
What do you want to eat, how about that?
Tips
Basic Usage: Asking About Status
Use 怎么样 (zěn me yàng) to inquire about the status or condition of something or someone. It's a very common way to ask 'how is it?' or 'what about it?'
Asking for Opinions
It's frequently used to ask for an opinion or feedback. For example, if you show someone a new shirt, you might ask, '这件衬衫怎么样?' (Zhè jiàn chènshān zěnmeyàng?) meaning 'How is this shirt?' or 'What do you think of this shirt?'
Suggesting an Idea
You can also use 怎么样 to suggest an idea or propose an action, often at the end of a sentence. For instance, '我们去看电影，怎么样?' (Wǒmen qù kàn diànyǐng, zěnmeyàng?) translates to 'Let's go watch a movie, how about that?'
Responding to 怎么样
Common responses include '很好' (hěn hǎo - very good), '不错' (bù cuò - not bad), '还可以' (hái kěyǐ - it's okay), or '不好' (bù hǎo - not good). The answer will depend on what you're being asked about.
Placement in Sentence
怎么样 almost always comes at the end of the phrase or sentence it's asking about. Remember this for proper sentence structure.
Asking About Health
When asking about someone's health, you can say '你身体怎么样?' (Nǐ shēntǐ zěnmeyàng?) which means 'How is your health?' or 'How are you feeling?'
Asking About Progress
To inquire about the progress of a task or project, you can ask '你的工作怎么样了?' (Nǐ de gōngzuò zěnmeyàng le?) meaning 'How is your work going?'
Comparing with '为什么'
Don't confuse 怎么样 (how is it?) with 为什么 (wèishénme - why?). 怎么样 asks for a description or opinion, while 为什么 asks for a reason.
Polite Inquiry
Using 怎么样 is a very common and generally polite way to show interest in someone's well-being or to ask for their thoughts. It's a staple in everyday conversation.
Practice with Examples
The best way to master 怎么样 is to use it in different contexts. Try asking about a movie you just saw, '这个电影怎么样?' (Zhège diànyǐng zěnmeyàng? - How was this movie?) or about the weather, '今天天气怎么样?' (Jīntiān tiānqì zěnmeyàng? - How is the weather today?)
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Asking about someone's well-being or current situation.
- 你最近怎么样？ (How have you been recently?)
- 你身体怎么样？ (How is your health?)
- 你工作怎么样？ (How is your work?)
Asking for an opinion or feedback on something.
- 这个菜怎么样？ (How is this dish?)
- 这部电影怎么样？ (How is this movie?)
- 我的新发型怎么样？ (How is my new hairstyle?)
Proposing an idea or suggestion and asking for agreement.
- 我们去看电影，怎么样？ (How about we go watch a movie?)
- 明天晚上一起吃饭，怎么样？ (How about we eat together tomorrow evening?)
- 周末去公园，怎么样？ (How about going to the park on the weekend?)
Asking about the quality or status of something.
- 这件衣服质量怎么样？ (How is the quality of this clothes?)
- 交通怎么样？ (How is the traffic?)
- 学习中文怎么样？ (How is learning Chinese?)
Using it as a general conversational filler or to prompt more information.
- 然后呢，怎么样？ (And then, what happened?)
- 事情进展怎么样？ (How are things progressing?)
- 你觉得怎么样？ (What do you think?)
Conversation Starters
"你最近怎么样？ (How have you been recently?)"
"这家餐厅的食物怎么样？ (How is the food at this restaurant?)"
"我们一起去旅行，怎么样？ (How about we travel together?)"
"你对这个计划有什么看法，怎么样？ (What are your thoughts on this plan, how is it?)"
"你学习中文多久了，感觉怎么样？ (How long have you been learning Chinese, and how do you feel about it?)"
Journal Prompts
Describe a recent experience and reflect on '怎么样' you felt about it. (最近的一次经历怎么样？)
Think about a new skill you're learning. How is it going, '怎么样' do you feel about your progress? (你正在学习一项新技能，进展怎么样？)
Consider a decision you need to make. What are the options, and '怎么样' do you think each option would turn out? (你需要做出一个决定，每个选项怎么样？)
Describe your ideal day. '怎么样' would you spend it? (你理想的一天会怎么样度过？)
Reflect on a goal you have. '怎么样' do you plan to achieve it? (你打算怎么样实现你的目标？)
Test Yourself 66 questions
这个电影___？(zhège diànyǐng ___?)
To ask 'how is this movie?', you use 怎么样.
我们明天去公园，___？(wǒmen míngtiān qù gōngyuán, ___?)
怎么样 is used to ask 'what about that?' or 'how about that?' when suggesting something.
你身体___？(nǐ shēntǐ ___?)
To ask 'how is your health?', you use 怎么样.
这个主意___？(zhège zhǔyì ___?)
To ask 'how is this idea?', you use 怎么样.
你的中文学习___？(nǐ de zhōngwén xuéxí ___?)
To ask 'how is your Chinese study?', you use 怎么样.
今天天气___？(jīntiān tiānqì ___?)
To ask 'how is the weather today?', you use 怎么样.
Which sentence correctly uses "怎么样" to ask about someone's well-being?
“你最近怎么样？” (Nǐ zuìjìn zěnmeyàng?) is a common way to ask 'How have you been recently?'.
Choose the best response for "这个苹果怎么样？" (How is this apple?)
When asking about the quality of something, '很好吃' (hěn hǎo chī - very delicious) is an appropriate response.
In which situation would you use "怎么样" to suggest an activity?
Adding '怎么样' at the end of a suggestion like '我们一起去公园' (Wǒmen yīqǐ qù gōngyuán - Let's go to the park together) makes it a question like 'How about that?'.
"怎么样" can be used to ask for an opinion about something.
Yes, '怎么样' is commonly used to solicit opinions or ask 'how is something'. For example, '这个电影怎么样？' (How is this movie?).
You can use "怎么样" at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a topic.
'怎么样' typically comes at the end of a clause or sentence to ask 'how is that?' or 'what about?'. It doesn't usually start a sentence.
If someone asks "你怎么样？", they are asking about your name.
"你怎么样？" (Nǐ zěnmeyàng?) asks 'How are you?' or 'How have you been?'. To ask about a name, you would say '你叫什么名字？' (Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?).
这部电影你觉得_______？ (This movie you think _______?)
“怎么样” is used here to ask for an opinion or how something is.
我们周末一起去公园，你觉得_______？ (We go to the park together this weekend, you think _______?)
“怎么样” is used to suggest an idea and ask for agreement or opinion.
你新买的手机_______？ (Your new phone _______?)
“怎么样” is used to inquire about the condition or quality of something new.
这份报告写得_______？ (This report is written _______?)
“怎么样” is used to ask for feedback or an evaluation of something completed.
明天我们吃火锅，_______？ (Tomorrow we eat hotpot, _______?)
“怎么样” proposes an activity and asks for the other person's thoughts.
她最近身体_______？ (How is her health recently _______?)
“怎么样” is used to inquire about someone's well-being or current state.
听说你最近搬家了，新房子___？
This sentence asks for an opinion or general condition of the new house, so '怎么样' (how is it?) fits best.
我们周末去爬山，你觉得这个主意___？
Here, '怎么样' is used to ask for an opinion on the suggestion of going hiking.
面试结果还没出来，我心里有点儿不安，你觉得我这次面试表现___？
The speaker is asking for an assessment of their interview performance, making '怎么样' the appropriate choice.
这份报告我修改了好几次，你帮我看看，___？
The speaker is asking for feedback on the revised report, so '怎么样' is suitable.
我最近学了一个新的烹饪方法，做出来的菜味道特别好，你改天来尝尝___？
This is an invitation and '怎么样' is used to ask if the other person is agreeable to it.
听说这部电影口碑不错，我们今晚去看___？
'怎么样' is used here to suggest an activity and ask for the other person's agreement.
The correct order is '这个主意怎么样' (How about this idea?), where '这个' (this) modifies '主意' (idea), and '怎么样' (how about) follows to ask for an opinion.
The correct order is '你的旅行怎么样' (How was your trip?), with '你的' (your) possessive, followed by '旅行' (trip), and '怎么样' (how was) inquiring about its quality.
The correct order is '我们一起晚饭怎么样' (How about we have dinner together?), where '我们' (we), '一起' (together), and '晚饭' (dinner) form the suggestion, and '怎么样' (how about) asks for agreement.
你觉得这个方案___，有什么可以改进的地方吗？
这里需要一个询问意见或感受的词，'怎么样'最合适。
听说你最近找到新工作了，___？
询问新工作的进展或情况，用'怎么样'表示关心和询问。
这部电影的口碑很好，你看了___？
询问观影感受，'怎么样'是口语中常用的表达。
我们周末去郊游，___？
提出建议并询问对方的看法，'怎么样'是常见的征询意见的方式。
这个月的销售额再创新高，领导对此的评价___？
询问领导的评价或态度，用'怎么样'来了解情况。
你昨天熬夜写报告，现在身体感觉___？
询问对方的身体状况或感受，'怎么样'表示关心和询问。
朋友要搬到上海工作，你怎么问他的感受？
“怎么样”用于询问情况、感受或意见，这里是问朋友对上海的看法。
你和朋友看完一部电影，想知道他的评价，你会怎么问？
“怎么样”是询问对事物的主观评价或感受的常用方式。
同事给你推荐了一家新开的餐厅，你想了解这家餐厅的整体情况，你会问什么？
“怎么样”可以用来询问一个地方的整体情况，包括食物、服务、环境等。
如果我想邀请朋友一起去旅行，可以说“我们一起去旅行怎么样？”
“怎么样”在这里表示征求意见或建议，符合语境。
当你想知道别人的身体状况时，可以说“你身体怎么样？”
“怎么样”可以直接用来询问身体状况。
在讨论工作计划时，如果我说“这个方案怎么样？”，表示我对这个方案非常满意。
“这个方案怎么样？”是征求对方意见，而不是表达自己的满意度。
Imagine you are suggesting a weekend activity to a friend. Write a short message asking them what they think of your idea, using '怎么样'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
周末我们去爬山，你觉得怎么样？
You just finished reading a book and want to recommend it to a friend. Write a sentence asking them their opinion on reading it, using '怎么样'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我最近读了一本好书，你觉得读读怎么样？
You are at a restaurant and want to ask your friend how they like the food. Write a question using '怎么样'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这些菜味道怎么样？
根据短文，小华想知道什么？
Read this passage:
小明最近换了一份新工作，他感到非常满意。他的朋友小华问他："新工作怎么样？" 小明笑着回答说："非常好，同事们都很友善，薪水也不错。"
根据短文，小华想知道什么？
小华问的是“新工作怎么样？”，这是在询问小明对新工作的感受和评价。
小华问的是“新工作怎么样？”，这是在询问小明对新工作的感受和评价。
说话人建议的活动是什么？
Read this passage:
今天天气很好，阳光明媚。我想去公园散步，然后去咖啡馆坐坐。你觉得这个计划怎么样？我们下午两点出发吧。
说话人建议的活动是什么？
文中提到“我想去公园散步，然后去咖啡馆坐坐”，并询问“你觉得这个计划怎么样？”，说明这是他建议的活动。
文中提到“我想去公园散步，然后去咖啡馆坐坐”，并询问“你觉得这个计划怎么样？”，说明这是他建议的活动。
丽丽建议的晚餐是什么？
Read this passage:
丽丽和她的朋友们正在讨论晚餐吃什么。有人建议吃火锅，有人想吃烤肉。丽丽说："我觉得吃泰国菜怎么样？" 大家听了都觉得是个好主意。
丽丽建议的晚餐是什么？
丽丽明确提出“我觉得吃泰国菜怎么样？”，这是她的建议。
丽丽明确提出“我觉得吃泰国菜怎么样？”，这是她的建议。
This sentence asks for an opinion on a plan. The structure is 'Subject + 觉得 (to feel/think) + Object + 怎么样 (how is it?).'
This is a suggestion. The structure '我们去 [activity] 怎么样?' is a common way to propose an activity.
This sentence inquires about the status of 'your new job recently'. '你的新工作' is the subject, '最近' is the time adverb, and '怎么样' asks about its condition.
朋友们都去了那个新开的艺术展，你觉得这个展览的策展理念怎么样？
原句询问对艺术展策展理念的看法，选项 A 表达了对创新性的高度评价，符合语境，且为 C2 水平的复杂表达。其他选项虽然也是 C2 水平的表达，但不符合对“怎么样”的积极回应。
最近全球经济形势复杂多变，你对未来一年的投资前景怎么样？
原句询问对未来投资前景的看法，选项 A 表达了一种复杂而成熟的判断，符合 C2 语境。其他选项虽然也是 C2 级别的表述，但在应对复杂经济形势时，'谨慎乐观'和'结构性机会'的说法更具专业性和深度。
公司正在考虑引入一套全新的管理系统，你觉得这个系统在提升效率方面怎么样？
原句询问新管理系统在提升效率方面的表现，选项 A 详细描述了系统在提升效率方面的优势，符合 C2 语境。其他选项虽也为 C2 级别的表达，但侧重于负面或中立的方面，不符合直接回答“怎么样”在积极方面的期待。
面对日益加剧的环境挑战，我们有必要采取釜底抽薪的策略，从根本上解决问题，你觉得这种观点怎么样？这里的“怎么样”意在询问对该策略可行性的评估。
“怎么样”在此句中确实用于询问对“釜底抽薪的策略”这种观点的可行性和有效性的评估，符合 C2 语境下对复杂策略的探讨。
在跨文化交流中，理解对方的非语言信号至关重要，你觉得这种说法怎么样？这里的“怎么样”是在征求对方对这一普遍真理的认同。
此处的“怎么样”旨在征求对方对“理解非语言信号的重要性”这一普遍认知的认同或看法，符合 C2 级别对话中对抽象概念的探讨。
那部获得国际大奖的电影，其叙事手法独特，深刻揭示了人性的复杂性，你认为它的艺术成就怎么样？这里的“怎么样”是在质疑其艺术成就的真实性。
此处的“怎么样”是在询问对电影艺术成就的评价，而非质疑其真实性。它期望得到对电影艺术价值的深度分析和观点，符合 C2 语境，但“质疑真实性”的理解是错误的。
Someone is asking for an opinion on a plan.
Someone is asking for a movie recommendation.
Someone is asking about a new colleague.
Read this aloud:
你对这个新政策有什么看法？怎么样？
Focus: zen3 me yang4
You said:
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Read this aloud:
我做了一个新的菜，你尝尝看怎么样？
Focus: zen3 me yang4
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我们明天去公园野餐怎么样？
Focus: zen3 me yang4
You said:
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/ 66 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
怎么样 is a flexible phrase to ask 'how' or 'what about' something or someone.
- Use to ask 'how is it?'
- Great for asking opinions
- Can suggest alternatives
Basic Usage: Asking About Status
Use 怎么样 (zěn me yàng) to inquire about the status or condition of something or someone. It's a very common way to ask 'how is it?' or 'what about it?'
Asking for Opinions
It's frequently used to ask for an opinion or feedback. For example, if you show someone a new shirt, you might ask, '这件衬衫怎么样?' (Zhè jiàn chènshān zěnmeyàng?) meaning 'How is this shirt?' or 'What do you think of this shirt?'
Suggesting an Idea
You can also use 怎么样 to suggest an idea or propose an action, often at the end of a sentence. For instance, '我们去看电影，怎么样?' (Wǒmen qù kàn diànyǐng, zěnmeyàng?) translates to 'Let's go watch a movie, how about that?'
Responding to 怎么样
Common responses include '很好' (hěn hǎo - very good), '不错' (bù cuò - not bad), '还可以' (hái kěyǐ - it's okay), or '不好' (bù hǎo - not good). The answer will depend on what you're being asked about.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More communication words
承认
A2to admit; to acknowledge
恐怕
B1I'm afraid that...; perhaps; probably. Used to express concern, uncertainty, or to soften a polite refusal.
同意
A1to agree
虽然...但是...
A2although...but...
公告
B1announcement
回答
A1to answer; to reply
接听
B2To answer (a phone call).
致歉
B2To express an apology formally. This is a critical term for IELTS letters of apology.
提问
A1To ask a question; to pose an inquiry.
广播
A2Broadcast.
