Chinese phrase
这是什么东西？ zhè shì shén me dōng xī
Meaning
What is this?
When to use it
This asks what an object or thing is. It is a common, simple question about something nearby or just noticed.
Example dialogue
我在美术桌上捡到这个小印章，这是什么东西？ wǒ zài měi shù zhuō shàng jiǎn dào zhè ge xiǎo yìn zhāng zhè shì shén me dōng xī
I picked up this little stamp on the art table. What is this?
我也不知道，我们去问老师吧。 wǒ yě bù zhī dào wǒ men qù wèn lǎo shī ba
I don't know either. Let's ask the teacher.