Chinese phrase
这〜是什么？ zhè 〜 shì shén me
Meaning
What's this ___?
When to use it
Asks what a nearby thing is. The added noun phrase identifies the thing being asked about, and the question has a simple, neutral tone.
Example dialogue
这杯咖啡是什么？ zhè bēi kā fēi shì shén me
What's this coffee?
是拿铁。 shì ná tiě
It's a latte.