怎么样？
zěnmeyàng?
How is it or how about it · trad. 怎麼樣？
怎么样？ (zěnme yàng) asks for an opinion about something or proposes a plan. It can mean 'How is it?' when inquiring about a situation or 'How about it?' when suggesting an idea.
What does 怎么样？ (zěnmeyàng?) mean?
怎么样？ (zěnmeyàng?) means “how is it or how about it” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “how is it.”
When to use it
Neutral and versatile. It's suitable for most everyday conversations. To ask about someone's well-being, you might say 你最近怎么样？ (How have you been lately?). When making a suggestion, a common reply is 挺好的 (pretty good) or 不错 (not bad).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “dzun-muh-YANG.” The first syllable has a rising tone, the second is neutral, and the third is a falling tone.
Other ways to say it
- 你觉得怎么样？nǐ juéde zěnmeyàng?What do you think?
- 好不好？hǎo bu hǎo?Is it good or not? / How about it?
- 如何？rúhé?How? (more formal)
Examples
这件衣服怎么样？
zhè jiàn yīfu zěnmeyàng?
How is this piece of clothing?
我们明天去看电影，怎么样？
wǒmen míngtiān qù kàn diànyǐng, zěnmeyàng?
How about we go watch a movie tomorrow?
你最近工作怎么样？
nǐ zuìjìn gōngzuò zěnmeyàng?
How's your work lately?
Pro tip: 怎么样？ is very flexible. Use it to ask for feedback on almost anything, from food to plans, or to check on someone's general status.
Related phrases
你有时间吗？ · Do you have time什么意思？ · What does it mean真的吗？ · Really
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