What's eating Meaning in English
expression
ˈhwəts/, /ˈwəts/ /ˈitɪŋ
WUHTS EE-ting
wɒts/ /ˈiːtɪŋ
WOTS EE-ting
Definition
This is an informal expression used to ask what is bothering or upsetting someone. It means you notice something is wrong and want to know what the problem is.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal and conversational; usually said when you sense someone is upset or distracted. Common in 'What's eating you?' or 'What's eating him?' Avoid in formal contexts. Similar to 'What's wrong?' but more concerned with internal feelings.
Spanish: ¿qué le pasa a - ¿qué molesta aPortuguese (BR): o que está incomodando - o que está perturbandoPortuguese (PT): o que está a incomodar - o que se passa comChinese (Simplified): 怎么了（烦恼）- 什么让…烦心Chinese (Traditional): 怎麼了（煩惱）- 什麼讓…煩心Hindi: क्या बात परेशान कर रही हैArabic: ما الذي يزعجBengali: কী চিন্তা করছে - কী বিরক্ত করছেRussian: что беспокоит - что тревожитJapanese: 何が悩ませている - 何か気になっているVietnamese: có chuyện gì làm - điều gì làm phiềnKorean: 무슨 고민이 있니 - 뭐가 신경 쓰이니Turkish: neden canı sıkkın - ne derdi varUrdu: کیا پریشان کر رہا ہےIndonesian: ada apa dengan - apa yang mengganggu
Example Sentences
What's eating you? You look upset.
basic
He won't say what's eating him, but he seems sad.
basic
Can you tell me what's eating her?
basic
You’ve been quiet all day—what’s eating you?
natural
I can tell something’s off. What's eating at you right now?
natural
If you want to talk about what’s eating you, I’m here.
natural