喝点什么？
hē diǎn shénme?
Anything to drink · trad. 喝點什麼？
喝点什么？ (Hē diǎn shénme) is a common and friendly way to ask someone what they would like to drink, often used in casual settings like a restaurant or when hosting guests. The '点' here makes the question sound more casual and less direct, implying 'a little something'.
What does 喝点什么？ (hē diǎn shénme?) mean?
喝点什么？ (hē diǎn shénme?) means “anything to drink” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “drink a little what?”
When to use it
Casual and friendly. It is suitable for asking friends, family, or guests what they'd like to drink. For a more formal or polite option, especially in a business setting or with strangers, you could say 您想喝些什么？ (Nín xiǎng hē xiē shénme?), 'What would you like to drink?'. When someone asks you this, you might reply 我想喝茶 (Wǒ xiǎng hē chá), 'I'd like to drink tea'.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “huh dee-en SHUN-muh.” The '点' has a dipping third tone, and '什么' is said with a rising first syllable and a light second syllable.
Other ways to say it
- 您想喝些什么？nín xiǎng hē xiē shénme?What would you like to drink? (polite)
- 想喝什么？xiǎng hē shénme?What do you want to drink? (casual)
- 要喝点什么？yào hē diǎn shénme?Want something to drink?
Examples
请问，您喝点什么？
qǐngwèn, nín hē diǎn shénme?
Excuse me, what would you like to drink?
你累了吗？喝点什么休息一下吧。
nǐ lèi le ma? hē diǎn shénme xiūxi yīxià ba.
Are you tired? Have something to drink and rest a bit.
服务员走过来问：喝点什么？
fúwùyuán zǒu guòlái wèn: hē diǎn shénme?
The waiter came over and asked: Anything to drink?
Pro tip: The '点' in 喝点什么 makes the question sound softer and more inviting, implying 'a little something to drink' rather than a direct demand for a choice.
Related phrases
您要点什么？ · What would you like to order现在可以点餐吗？ · Are you ready to order马上就来 · Coming right up
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