Various ways to say “what’s wrong?” in Chinese

The common expressions

你怎么了？(Nǐ zěnme le?)

Literally “What’s wrong with you?” or “What happened to you?”

This is a direct way to ask if someone is okay or if something is bothering them.

e.g.

A: 你怎么了？怎么闷闷不乐的？(Nǐ zěnme le? Zěnme mènmèn-bù-lè de?) What’s wrong? Why so down?
B: 我跟朋友吵架了，现在心情很不好。(Wǒ gēn péngyǒu chǎojià le, xiànzài xīnqíng hěn bù hǎo.) I had an argument with my friend, so I’m in a bad mood.

A: 你怎么了？看起来好累啊。(Nǐ zěnme le? Kàn qǐlái hǎo lèi a.) What’s wrong? You look so tired.
B: 昨天晚上没睡好，熬夜赶作业了。(Zuótiān wǎnshang méi shuì hǎo, áoyè gǎn zuòyè le.) I didn’t sleep well last night. I stayed up late to finish homework.

你还好吗？(Nǐ hái hǎo ma?)

Are you alright?” or “Are you still doing okay?”

It’s used to check if someone is fine or needs help.

e.g.

A: 你还好吗？听说你前几天生病了。(Nǐ hái hǎo ma? Tīngshuō nǐ qián jǐ tiān shēngbìng le.) Are you alright now? I heard you were sick a few days ago.
B: 谢谢关心，我已经恢复得差不多了。(Xièxie guānxīn, wǒ yǐjīng huīfù de chàbùduō le.) Thanks for asking. I’ve almost recovered.

A: 你还好吗？最近工作压力很大吧？(Nǐ hái hǎo ma? Zuìjìn gōngzuò yālì hěn dà ba?) How are you holding up? Work’s been stressful lately, right?
B: 是啊，有点累，但还撑得住。(Shì a, yǒudiǎn lèi, dàn hái chēng de zhù.) Yeah, I’m a bit tired, but I can manage.

你没事吧？(Nǐ méishì ba?)

“Are you okay?” or “Nothing’s wrong, right?”

It’s usually said with concern when you suspect there might be a problem.

e.g.

A: 你没事吧？怎么一句话都不说？(Nǐ méishì ba? Zěnme yī jù huà dōu bù shuō?) Are you alright? Why aren’t you saying anything?
B: 我在想一些烦心事，暂时不想说话。(Wǒ zài xiǎng yīxiē fánxīn shì, zhànshí bù xiǎng shuōhuà.) I’m thinking about something troubling me. I don’t feel like talking.

A: 你没事吧？怎么脸色这么白？(Nǐ méishì ba? Zěnme liǎnsè zhème bái?) Are you alright? You look really pale.
B: 我肚子疼，想去医务室看看。(Wǒ dùzi téng, xiǎng qù yīwùshì kànkan.) My stomach hurts. I want to go to the nurse’s office.

出什么事儿了？(Chū shénme shìr le?)

“What happened?” or “Is something wrong?”

A slightly more direct question to see if an incident or problem has occurred.

e.g.

A: 你刚才为什么喊得那么大声？出什么事儿了？(Nǐ gāngcái wèishénme hǎn de nàme dàshēng? Chū shénme shìr le?) Why were you shouting just now? What happened?
B: 厨房着火了，幸好现在灭了。(Chúfáng zháohuǒ le, xìnghǎo xiànzài miè le.) There was a fire in the kitchen, but luckily it’s out now.

A: 你看起来很慌张，出什么事儿了？ (Nǐ kàn qǐlái hěn huāngzhāng, chū shénme shìr le?) You seem flustered. What’s up?
B: 我忘了带护照，不能登机了！(Wǒ wàng le dài hùzhào, bùnéng dēngjī le!) I forgot my passport and can’t board the plane!

The extended phrases to express “what’s wrong?” in Chinese

Extended expressions

遇到麻烦了吗？(Yù dào máfan le ma?)

“Are you in trouble?” or “Have you run into a problem?”

It implies you suspect they’re facing a difficult situation.

e.g.

A: 遇到麻烦了吗？我看你一个人发呆。(Yù dào máfan le ma? Wǒ kàn nǐ yī gèrén fādāi.) Are you in some trouble? You seem lost in thought.
B: 考试成绩出来了，不太理想。(Kǎoshì chéngjì chūlái le, bù tài lǐxiǎng.) My exam results are out, and they’re not so good.

A: 你电话打得火急火燎的，遇到麻烦了吗？(Nǐ diànhuà dǎ de huǒjíhuǒliǎo de, yù dào máfan le ma?) You were making urgent calls. Something troubling you?
B: 客户突然要改方案，我得马上重新做。(Kèhù tūrán yào gǎi fāng’àn, wǒ děi mǎshàng chóngxīn zuò.) The client suddenly wants to change the plan, so I have to redo everything.

到底怎么回事？(Dàodǐ zěnme huí shì?)

“What on earth is going on?”

This phrase shows a stronger sense of urgency or confusion.

e.g.

A: 你们两个吵什么呢？到底怎么回事？(Nǐmen liǎng gè chǎo shénme ne? Dàodǐ zěnme huí shì?) What are you two arguing about? What’s really going on?
B: 我们在讨论旅行计划，但意见不合。(Wǒmen zài tǎolùn lǚxíng jìhuà, dàn yìjiàn bùhé.) We’re discussing travel plans, but we can’t agree.

A: 我怎么听说你要转学？到底怎么回事？(Wǒ zěnme tīng shuō nǐ yào zhuǎnxué? Dàodǐ zěnme huí shì?) I heard you’re transferring schools. What’s really going on?
B: 家里出了点状况，我需要去别的城市。(Jiālǐ chūle diǎn zhuàngkuàng, wǒ xūyào qù bié de chéngshì.) There’s a situation at home, so I have to move to another city.

有什么问题，说出来听听。(Yǒu shén me wèntí, shuō chūlái tīngting.)

“If there’s any problem, tell me about it.”

An invitation for the other person to share concerns.

e.g.

A: 你一副心事重重的样子，有什么问题，说出来听听。(Nǐ yī fù xīnshì chóngchóng de yàngzi, yǒu shénme wèntí, shuō chūlái tīngting.) You look very worried. If there’s anything on your mind, tell me.
B: 我对未来很迷茫，不知道要不要换专业。(Wǒ duì wèilái hěn mímáng, bù zhīdào yào bùyào huàn zhuānyè.) I feel lost about my future. Not sure if I should change my major.

A: 你好像有心事，有什么问题，说出来听听。(Nǐ hǎoxiàng yǒu xīnshì, yǒu shénme wèntí, shuō chūlái tīngting.) You seem burdened. If anything’s wrong, let me know.
B: 我跟爸妈的关系最近不好，想找人聊聊。(Wǒ gēn bàmā de guānxi zuìjìn bù hǎo, xiǎng zhǎo rén liáoliao.) My relationship with my parents isn’t good lately. I need someone to talk to.

Show your concern if someone seems unhappy

What do you say when you think your friend is in a bad mood, and you just want to ask them directly why they seem down? You can try using these phrases.

心情不好吗？(Xīnqíng bù hǎo ma?)

“Are you in a bad mood?” or “Feeling down?”

A gentle way to ask if someone’s mood is off.

e.g.

A: 看你一句话都不说，心情不好吗？(Kàn nǐ yī jù huà dōu bù shuō, xīnqíng bù hǎo ma?) You’re not saying a word. Are you feeling upset?
B: 最近压力太大，想一个人静静。(Zuìjìn yālì tài dà, xiǎng yī gèrén jìngjìng.) I’ve been under a lot of stress lately and just want some quiet time.

A: 心情不好吗？想不想出去走走？(Xīnqíng bù hǎo ma? Xiǎng bù xiǎng chūqù zǒuzou?) Feeling down? Do you want to go out for a walk?
B: 好啊，也许散散心会好点。(Hǎo a, yěxǔ sànsan xīn huì hǎo diǎn.) Sure. Maybe a walk will help clear my mind.

你怎么那么严肃?  (Nǐ zěnme nàme yánsù?)

“Why are you so serious?”

It’s often used when someone’s expression looks stern or worried.

e.g.

A: 你怎么那么严肃？发生什么事了吗？(Nǐ zěnme nàme yánsù? Fāshēng shénme shì le ma?) Why so serious? Did something happen?
B: 在想一个重要决定，脑子里乱哄哄的。(Zài xiǎng yī gè zhòngyào juédìng, nǎozi lǐ luàn hōng hōng de.) I’m thinking about an important decision, my mind is all over the place.

A: 你怎么那么严肃？好像心事很重。(Nǐ zěnme nàme yánsù? Hǎoxiàng xīnshì hěn zhòng.) Why the serious face? You seem burdened by something.
B: 我怕这个项目做不好，会影响团队成绩。(Wǒ pà zhège xiàngmù zuò bù hǎo, huì yǐngxiǎng tuánduì chéngjì.) I’m worried if I don’t do this project well, it’ll affect the whole team’s performance.

你怎么满脸不高兴？(Nǐ zěnme mǎn liǎn bù gāoxìng?)

“Why do you look so unhappy?”

This focuses on visible signs of dissatisfaction or sadness.

e.g.

A: 你怎么满脸不高兴？发生什么不好的事了吗？ (Nǐ zěnme mǎn liǎn bù gāoxìng? Fāshēng shénme bù hǎo de shì le ma?) Why do you look so unhappy? Did something bad happen?
B: 我今天面试失败了，非常失落。(Wǒ jīntiān miànshì shībài le, fēicháng shīluò.) I failed an interview today. Feeling really down.

A: 大家都很开心，怎么就你满脸不高兴？(Dàjiā dōu hěn kāixīn, zěnme jiù nǐ mǎn liǎn bù gāoxìng?) Everyone else is happy. Why do you look so gloomy?
B: 我丢了钱包，现在没心情参加派对了。(Wǒ diū le qiánbāo, xiànzài méi xīnqíng cānjiā pàiduì le.) I lost my wallet, so I’m in no mood for the party.

你怎么拉着个脸？(Nǐ zěnme lāzhe gè liǎn?)

Literally it means “Why are you pulling a face?”, similar to “Why the long face?”.

It is used when someone looks upset or sullen.

e.g.

A: 你怎么拉着个脸？是不是不舒服？(Nǐ zěnme lāzhe gè liǎn? Shì bù shì bù shūfú?) Why the long face? Are you feeling unwell?
B: 我有点感冒，头晕脑胀的。(Wǒ yǒudiǎn gǎnmào, tóu yūn nǎo zhàng de.) I have a bit of a cold. Feeling dizzy and foggy.

A: 你怎么拉着个脸？(Nǐ zěnme lāzhe gè liǎn?) Why do you look so down?
B: 我的车子被拖走了，心情特别差。(Wǒ de chēzi bèi tuōzǒu le, xīnqíng tèbié chà.) My car got towed, so I’m really upset.

你今天看着好像不太高兴啊。(Nǐ jīntiān kànzhe hǎoxiàng bù tài gāoxìng a.)

“You don’t look too happy today.”

A softer observation that someone’s mood is off.

e.g.

A: 你今天看着好像不太高兴啊，是不是没睡好？(Nǐ jīntiān kànzhe hǎoxiàng bù tài gāoxìng a, shì bù shì méi shuì hǎo?) You don’t look too happy today. Did you not sleep well?
B: 嗯，昨天失眠了，今天没精神。(En, zuótiān shīmián le, jīntiān méi jīngshén.)
Yeah, I had insomnia last night and feel exhausted today.

A: 你今天看着好像不太高兴啊，想出去透透气吗？(Nǐ jīntiān kànzhe hǎoxiàng bù tài gāoxìng a, xiǎng chūqù tòutou qì ma?) You don’t look very happy today. Want to go out for some fresh air?
B: 好主意，也许放松一下会好很多。 (Hǎo zhǔyì, yěxǔ fàngsōng yīxià huì hǎo hěn duō.) Good idea. Maybe a bit of relaxation will help.

你好像不大对劲儿啊。(Nǐ hǎoxiàng bù dà duìjìnr a.)

“You don’t seem quite right.”

This is used when you sense something is off with someone, either emotionally or physically.

e.g.

A: 你好像不大对劲儿啊，怎么一直低着头？(Nǐ hǎoxiàng bù dà duìjìnr a, zěnme yīzhí dīzhe tóu?) You seem off. Why are you hanging your head?
B: 我今天被老师批评了，觉得特别丢脸。(Wǒ jīntiān bèi lǎoshī pīpíng le, juéde tèbié diūliǎn.) My teacher scolded me today, and I feel embarrassed.

A: 你好像不大对劲儿啊，要不要先回家休息？ (Nǐ hǎoxiàng bù dà duìjìnr a, yào bùyào xiān huí jiā xiūxi?) You don’t look well. Maybe you should go home and rest?
B: 我头很晕，恐怕要早退一下。 (Wǒ tóu hěn yūn, kǒngpà yào zǎotuì yīxià.) I’m really dizzy. I might have to leave early.

Express that you’re worried about someone’s health

What if someone looks unwell? How do you ask them about their health appropriately? Here are a few phrases that you can use.

你身体不舒服吗？(Nǐ shēntǐ bú shūfú ma?)

“Are you feeling unwell?”

A straightforward way to show concern about someone’s physical condition.

e.g.

A: 你身体不舒服吗？怎么老咳嗽？ (Nǐ shēntǐ bù shūfú ma? Zěnme lǎo késou?) Are you unwell? You keep coughing.
B: 最近天气变冷，我有点感冒。(Zuìjìn tiānqì biàn lěng, wǒ yǒudiǎn gǎnmào.) It’s gotten colder lately, and I’ve caught a cold.

A: 你身体不舒服吗？要不要去医务室看一下？(Nǐ shēntǐ bù shūfú ma? Yàobùyào qù yīwùshì kàn yīxià?) Are you feeling sick? Do you want to visit the school nurse?
B: 好，我现在就过去看看。谢谢你。 (Hǎo, wǒ xiànzài jiù guòqù kànkan. Xièxie nǐ.) Okay, I’ll go now. Thank you.

你好些了吗？ (Nǐ hǎoxiēle ma?)

“Are you feeling better?”

It is used to follow up after someone has been sick or upset.

e.g.

A: 昨天情绪不好，今天你好些了吗？ (Zuótiān qíngxù bù hǎo, jīntiān nǐ hǎoxiē le ma?) You were in a bad mood yesterday. Feeling any better today?
B: 还行，休息了一晚好多了。(Hái xíng, xiūxī le yī wǎn hǎo duō le.) I’m okay. After a night’s rest, I feel much better.

A: 你好些了吗？胃疼有没有缓解？ (Nǐ hǎoxiē le ma? Wèi téng yǒu méiyǒu huǎnjiě?) Are you any better? Is your stomachache easing up?
B: 已经好多了，药很管用。 (Yǐjīng hǎo duō le, yào hěn guǎnyòng.) It’s much better now. The medicine worked well.

你今天感觉怎么样？ (Nǐ jīntiān gǎnjué zěnme yàng?)

“How are you feeling today?”

A polite way to check on someone’s overall condition—physical or emotional.

e.g.

A: 你今天感觉怎么样？头还痛吗？ (Nǐ jīntiān gǎnjué zěnme yàng? Tóu hái tòng ma?) How are you feeling today? Still have a headache?
B: 好多了，今天可以正常工作了。(Hǎo duō le, jīntiān kěyǐ zhèngcháng gōngzuò le.) Much better. I can work normally today.

A: 昨天你心情不好，今天感觉怎么样？ (Zuótiān nǐ xīnqíng bù hǎo, jīntiān gǎnjué zěnme yàng?) You were upset yesterday. How about today?
B: 好一点了。我跟朋友聊了聊，心里舒服多了。 (Hǎo yīdiǎn le. Wǒ gēn péngyǒu liáo le liáo, xīnlǐ shūfu duō le.) I feel better. I talked with a friend, and it helped.

要不要去医院？ (Yào bùyào qù yīyuàn?)

“Do you want to go to the hospital (or clinic)?”

It is often asked if you see someone in pain or suspect a more serious condition.

e.g.

A: 你发烧得很厉害，要不要去医院？ (Nǐ fāshāo de hěn lìhài, yào bùyào qù yīyuàn?) You have a high fever. Do you want to go to the hospital?
B: 好，我先量个体温，然后就去。 (Hǎo, wǒ xiān liàng gè tǐwēn, ránhòu jiù qù.) Okay, I’ll take my temperature first and then go.

A: 你脸色那么差，要不要去医院检查一下？ (Nǐ liǎnsè nàme chà, yào bùyào qù yīyuàn jiǎnchá yīxià?) You look really bad. Should we go to the hospital?
B: 我先吃点药，如果还不好再去。 (Wǒ xiān chī diǎn yào, rúguǒ hái bù hǎo zài qù.) I’ll take some medicine first. If it doesn’t get better, I’ll go.

要不要回去休息一下？ (Yào bùyào huíqù xiūxi yīxià?)

“Do you want to go back (home) and rest for a bit?”

A kind suggestion when someone looks tired or ill.

e.g.

A: 你看上去没精神，要不要回去休息一下？ (Nǐ kàn shàngqù méi jīngshén, yào bùyào huíqù xiūxi yīxià?) You look exhausted. Maybe go home and rest?
B: 好的，我回家睡一会儿，下午再来。 (Hǎo de, wǒ huí jiā shuì yīhuìr, xiàwǔ zài lái.) Alright, I’ll go home and nap, then come back in the afternoon.

A: 如果你不舒服，就别勉强，要不要回去休息一下？ (Rúguǒ nǐ bù shūfú, jiù bié miǎnqiǎng, yào bùyào huíqù xiūxi yīxià?) If you’re feeling unwell, don’t push yourself. Want to go back and rest?
B: 谢谢关心，我觉得再等一会儿看看。 (Xièxie guānxīn, wǒ juéde zài děng yīhuìr kànkan.) Thanks for caring. I’ll wait a bit and see how I feel.

Offer help

What do you say if you want to offer help? Here are a few good sentences you can use to express your empathy.

有什么需要，随时跟我说。(Yǒu shén me xūyào, suíshí gēn wǒ shuō.)

“Let me know anytime if there’s anything you need.” A friendly offer of help or support.

e.g.

A: 你看起来忙不过来了，有什么需要，随时跟我说。 (Nǐ kàn qǐlái máng bù guò lái le, yǒu shénme xūyào, suíshí gēn wǒ shuō.) You seem swamped. Let me know anytime if you need anything.
B: 谢谢你！我可能需要你帮我跑个腿。 (Xièxie nǐ! Wǒ kěnéng xūyào nǐ bāng wǒ pǎo gè tuǐ.) Thank you! I might need you to help me run an errand.

A: 最近搬家很麻烦吧？有什么需要，随时跟我说。(Zuìjìn bānjiā hěn máfan ba? Yǒu shénme xūyào, suíshí gēn wǒ shuō.) Moving is tough, right? Let me know if there’s anything you need.
B: 太好了，我正好缺人手帮我搬家具。 (Tài hǎo le, wǒ zhènghǎo quē rénshǒu bāng wǒ bān jiājù.) Awesome, I actually need extra hands to move furniture.

有什么我能帮得上忙的？ (Yǒu shén me wǒ néng bāng dé shàng máng de?)

“Is there anything I can do to help?” A direct question to see if assistance is needed.

e.g.

A: 你看起来很着急，有什么我能帮得上忙的？ (Nǐ kàn qǐlái hěn zhāojí, yǒu shénme wǒ néng bāng dé shàng máng de?) You look really worried. Anything I can do to help?
B: 我车坏了，能不能顺路载我一程？ (Wǒ chē huài le, néng bùnéng shùnlù zài wǒ yī chéng?) My car broke down. Could you possibly give me a ride?

A: 你做报告做到这么晚，有什么我能帮得上忙的？ (Nǐ zuò bàogào zuò dào zhème wǎn, yǒu shénme wǒ néng bāng dé shàng máng de?) You’re working on your report so late. Anything I can help with?
B: 可以帮我查点资料吗？我一个人实在忙不过来。 (Kěyǐ bāng wǒ chá diǎn zīliào ma? Wǒ yī gèrén shízài máng bù guò lái.) Could you help me look up some information? I really can’t handle it all on my own.