What's the matter Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhwəts/, /ˈwəts/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈmætɝ

WUHTS thuh MAT-er

UK

wɒts/ /ðə, ði/ /mˈætɐ

WOTS thuh MAT-uh

Definition

This expression is used to ask someone if something is wrong or to find out why they look upset, worried, or unwell.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and very common. Used when someone looks upset, is crying, or something seems wrong. Do not use in formal writing. Similar to 'what's wrong?' but more caring. Often spoken with concern.

• Spanish: ¿qué pasa? - ¿qué ocurre? - ¿qué tienes?
• Portuguese (BR): o que houve? - qual é o problema? - o que foi?
• Portuguese (PT): o que se passa? - qual é o problema? - o que foi?
• Chinese (Simplified): 怎么了 - 有什么事
• Chinese (Traditional): 怎麼了 - 有什麼事
• Hindi: क्या बात है? - क्या हुआ?
• Arabic: ما الأمر؟ - ماذا هناك؟
• Bengali: কি হয়েছে - কী সমস্যা
• Russian: в чём дело - что случилось
• Japanese: どうしたの - 何かあったの
• Vietnamese: có chuyện gì vậy - có vấn đề gì
• Korean: 무슨 일이야 - 무슨 문제 있어
• Turkish: ne oldu - bir sorun mu var
• Urdu: کیا ہوا - کیا بات ہے
• Indonesian: ada apa - kenapa

Example Sentences

What's the matter? You look sad.

basic

If you don't feel well, tell me what's the matter.

basic

Mom asked, 'What's the matter?' when she saw the broken glass.

basic

Hey, what's the matter? You've been quiet all day.

natural

What's the matter with your car? It won't start.

natural

There was a long pause before he finally told me what's the matter.

natural