what

• Вопросительное слово для запроса информации о предмете, действии или качестве из неограниченного набора

An interrogative determiner used to ask for information specifying something from an open or indefinite set. It is also used in exclamations to express surprise or emphasis.

1. Interrogative selection (open set)A1formal

   Used in questions to ask for information about a specific thing, person, or idea when the possible answers are not limited to a known set. It implies 'which one(s) among all possibilities'.

   Вопросительный выбор (открытый набор)

   • What time is it?
   • What color do you like?
   • What books did you buy?

2. Exclamatory emphasisA2informal

   Used in exclamations to express strong emotion, such as surprise, admiration, or shock, regarding the quality or nature of something.

   Восклицательное усиление

   • What a beautiful day!
   • What nonsense!
   • What an idea!

3. Relative reference (free relative)B1formal

   Used to introduce a noun clause that functions as the subject or object of a sentence, meaning 'the thing(s) that'.

   Относительная ссылка (свободная относительная конструкция)

   • I know what you mean.
   • What he said was true.
   • Do what you want.