X什么X and 什么X不X的 for Brushing Things Off
Use 吵什么吵 and 什么钱不钱的 to tell someone to stop fussing, or to wave away money and thanks between friends.
Pattern
X什么X / 什么X不X（的）
X什么X tells someone there’s no need to X (or to stop X-ing); 什么X不X的 waves X away as not worth talking about.
吵什么吵？弟弟在睡觉呢。
When to use X什么X and 什么X不X的 for Brushing Things Off
Say a verb or adjective, then 什么, then the same word again: 吵什么吵. It isn’t a question. It means “There’s no need to X” or “Stop X-ing,” and a short reason usually follows. Two-syllable words work too: 紧张什么紧张.
哭什么哭？手机找到了不就好了吗？
What are you crying for? The phone’s been found, so isn’t everything fine?
什么好看不好看的，穿着舒服就行。
Who cares whether it looks good? As long as it’s comfortable.
吵什么？弟弟在睡觉呢。
What’s all the noise about? Your little brother is sleeping. (lighter)
别吵了，弟弟在睡觉呢。
Please be quiet, your little brother is sleeping. (plain and neutral)
Common traps
- Use the same word on both sides: 急什么急, 什么钱不钱的.
- Neither frame is a real question, so don’t answer it with information.
- Both can sound sharp; use them with friends and family, in a warm tone.
Targeted drill
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