What if Meaning in English
expression
ˈhwət/, /ˈwət/ /ˈɪf/, /ɪf
WUT-if
wˈɒt/ /ˈɪf
WOT-if
Definition
'What if' is a phrase used to ask about possible situations, imagine outcomes, or express concern about things that could happen.
Usage & Nuances
'What if' is very common in both spoken and written English. It's often used for suggesting possibilities, expressing worry, or starting hypothetical questions. Typical patterns: 'What if we...' 'But what if...?' Avoid using for factual questions; it's for imagining scenarios.
Spanish: ¿y si - ¿qué pasaría siPortuguese (BR): e se - e se acasoPortuguese (PT): e se - e se acasoChinese (Simplified): 如果 - 要是Chinese (Traditional): 如果 - 要是Hindi: क्या हो अगरArabic: ماذا لوBengali: কি হবে যদি - যদিRussian: а что еслиJapanese: もし - もしもVietnamese: nếu như - giả sửKorean: 만약 - 혹시Turkish: ya eğer - peki yaUrdu: اگر - کیا ہو اگرIndonesian: bagaimana jika - bagaimana kalau
Example Sentences
What if it rains tomorrow?
basic
What if I forget my homework?
basic
What if we try a different restaurant?
basic
I know it's risky, but what if everything goes right?
natural
What if you never called her back? Do you think she'd be upset?
natural
Let's not worry about failures—what if we actually succeed?
natural