What is it Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhwət/, /ˈwət/ /ˈɪz/, /ɪz/ /ˈɪt/, /ɪt

WUHT iz it

UK

wˈɒt/ /ˈɪz/ /ˈɪt

WOT iz it

Definition

A question used to ask someone to identify or explain something. It can be used when you see or hear something you don't understand.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and very common in daily conversation. Used for objects, sounds, or situations. Can express curiosity or surprise. Not used in formal writing. Variants: 'What's that?' (for something farther away), 'What is this?' (for something near).

• Spanish: ¿qué es? - ¿qué es esto?
• Portuguese (BR): o que é? - o que é isso?
• Portuguese (PT): o que é? - o que é isto?
• Chinese (Simplified): 这是什么？
• Chinese (Traditional): 這是什麼？
• Hindi: यह क्या है?
• Arabic: ما هذا؟
• Bengali: এটা কী
• Russian: что это
• Japanese: これは何ですか - 何ですか
• Vietnamese: đó là gì - cái đó là gì
• Korean: 이게 뭐야
• Turkish: bu nedir
• Urdu: یہ کیا ہے
• Indonesian: ini apa - itu apa

Example Sentences

What is it? I've never seen this before.

basic

You found something on the ground? What is it?

basic

There's a weird noise outside. What is it?

basic

Somebody left a package for you at the door. What is it?

natural

You look confused. What is it that's bothering you?

natural

Every time I hear that ringtone, I wonder, 'What is it?'

natural