What's that Meaning in English

expression · lemma: what is that

US

ˈhwəts/, /ˈwəts/ /ˈðæt/, /ðət

WUHTS that

UK

wɒts/ /ðˈæt

WOTS that

Definition

A common question you ask when you want to know the name, nature, or explanation of something you see or hear but don't recognize.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, used in spoken English. It can express curiosity, surprise, or confusion. Often directed at things you can see or hear ('What's that noise?'). Not used for people ('Who's that?' instead).

• Spanish: ¿qué es eso?
• Portuguese (BR): o que é isso?
• Portuguese (PT): o que é isso?
• Chinese (Simplified): 那是什么？
• Chinese (Traditional): 那是什麼？
• Hindi: वो क्या है?
• Arabic: ما هذا؟
• Bengali: ওটা কী - ওটা কি
• Russian: это что - что это
• Japanese: それは何 - 何それ
• Vietnamese: đó là gì - cái đó là gì
• Korean: 저게 뭐야 - 그게 뭐야
• Turkish: o ne - bu ne
• Urdu: یہ کیا ہے
• Indonesian: itu apa - apa itu

Example Sentences

What's that on the table?

basic

I hear a sound. What's that?

basic

Look! What's that over there?

basic

What's that supposed to mean?

natural

Wait, what's that smell?

natural

Sorry, I didn't catch that — what's that again?

natural