Verb + 什么（就）是什么 in Chinese
动词＋什么（就）是什么
This colloquial echo construction repeats 什么 around 是 after a verb. It can signal agreement to follow another person's choice, or challenge the idea that a desired outcome is easy to obtain. Optional 就 sharpens the direct mapping between the proposed choice and the accepted result.
Published August 8, 2026
Reviewed August 8, 2026
01 / PATTERN
See the Structure
MODEL
Verb + 什么 + (就) + 是 + 什么
Read the structure
This colloquial echo construction repeats 什么 around 是 after a verb. It can signal agreement to follow another person's choice, or challenge the idea that a desired outcome is easy to obtain. Optional 就 sharpens the direct mapping between the proposed choice and the accepted result. Keep the model Verb + 什么 + (就) + 是 + 什么 visible while you compare each sentence.
行啊！你说什么就是什么，都听你的。
Fine! Whatever you say goes; I will follow you.
Choose the right context
Accept another person's choice with a mildly accommodating tone. Repeat a requested outcome while questioning whether it is easy to achieve. Use 就 when emphasizing that the first choice directly determines the result.
哪有这么容易的，你想什么就是什么？
How could it be that easy, with everything becoming whatever you want?
Respect the boundary
Do not reverse 是 and the second 什么. Do not treat the first 什么 as always requesting unknown information. Do not assume the construction has only an agreeable tone.
你说什么是什么就。
(Whatever you say is whatever then.)
Repair the pattern
就 trails the completed echo frame: 就 belongs before 是 to connect the proposed choice with its accepted result. 是 precedes the echoed question word incorrectly: The construction requires the second 什么 after 是; omitting it leaves the echo predicate incomplete.
你说什么就是什么。
Use the repaired structure without changing the intended meaning.
02 / MAP
Read the Sentence
Read from left to right and notice the job performed by each part. The labels describe this example; they are not a rule that every Chinese sentence must copy.
行啊！你说什么就是什么，都听你的。
Fine! Whatever you say goes; I will follow you.
行
Verb
This part occupies the Verb position in the model pattern.
啊
什么
This part occupies the 什么 position in the model pattern.
你
(就)
This part occupies the (就) position in the model pattern.
说
是
This part occupies the 是 position in the model pattern.
什么
什么
This part occupies the 什么 position in the model pattern.
就是
Verb
This part occupies the Verb position in the model pattern.
什么
什么
This part occupies the 什么 position in the model pattern.
，
(就)
This part occupies the (就) position in the model pattern.
都
是
This part occupies the 是 position in the model pattern.
听
什么
This part occupies the 什么 position in the model pattern.
你的
Verb
This part occupies the Verb position in the model pattern.
03 / EXAMPLES
Examples You Can Reuse
Keep the structure stable while changing the people, objects, times, or conditions. Pinyin is shown as reading support; use the Chinese sentence and translation to confirm the grammar relationship.
行啊！你说什么就是什么，都听你的。
Fine! Whatever you say goes; I will follow you.
哪有这么容易的，你想什么就是什么？
How could it be that easy, with everything becoming whatever you want?
今天你点什么是什么，我不挑。
Today, whatever you order is fine with me; I am not picky.
04 / LIMITS
When to Use It — and When Not To
Use it when
- Accept another person's choice with a mildly accommodating tone.
- Repeat a requested outcome while questioning whether it is easy to achieve.
- Use 就 when emphasizing that the first choice directly determines the result.
Do not use it when
- Do not reverse 是 and the second 什么.
- Do not treat the first 什么 as always requesting unknown information.
- Do not assume the construction has only an agreeable tone.
05 / REPAIR
Compare Right and Wrong
Compare the smallest meaningful change. Each explanation identifies a placement, scope, form, or clause relationship instead of treating the whole sentence as one undifferentiated mistake.
你说什么是什么就。
你说什么就是什么。
就 trails the completed echo frame
就 belongs before 是 to connect the proposed choice with its accepted result.
你想什么就是。
你想什么就是什么？
是 precedes the echoed question word incorrectly
The construction requires the second 什么 after 是; omitting it leaves the echo predicate incomplete.
你说什么是什么就。
就 belongs before 是 to connect the proposed choice with its accepted result.
你想什么就是。
The construction requires the second 什么 after 是; omitting it leaves the echo predicate incomplete.
06 / PRACTICE
Practice the Grammar Point
Complete three short tasks in order: judge the pattern, repair a common error, and build the sentence. Feedback is fixed and reviewed, so these activities do not use a checker allowance.
1. Judge the sentence
2. Choose the correction
3. Build the sentence
Build a complete sentence with 动词＋什么（就）是什么.
07 / APPLY
Apply It in Your Sentence
Write one original sentence with 动词＋什么（就）是什么. Your draft moves to the checker through this browser session, selects this grammar point as the first review focus, and waits for you to submit.
08 / QUESTIONS
Verb + 什么（就）是什么 Questions
Does 什么 ask a real question here?
Usually not. It acts as an unrestricted placeholder whose value is repeated after 是.
Does the pattern always show agreement?
No. Supportive context can show accommodation, while a rhetorical question can reject an unrealistic wish. Context determines the stance.
09 / SOURCES
Sources and Review Notes
These references support different parts of the lesson. GF0025-2021 supports level placement only; professional grammar works support the explanation, limits, examples, and cross-checks. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement.
Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education (GF0025-2021)
Ministry of Education and State Language Commission · Ministry of Education of the PRC · 2021
Locator: Appendix A, Level 6 item 【六61】, PDF p. 242 (printed p. 236)
Places the verb-plus-什么 echo frame at Level 6 and demonstrates both accommodation and rhetorical challenge.
Official sourceLaoshi Chinese Grammar Reference
Laoshi editorial team · Laoshi · 2026
Locator: Grammar reference entry 391, 动词+什么就是什么
Explains the colloquial echo structure, its agreement or refusal-to-argue stance, and optional 就.
Official source10 / CONTINUE
Continue with a Connected Rule
Easy to confuse
X就X（点儿）吧X就X吧 for Reluctant Acceptance
Both echo a choice with accommodation, but 什么 repeats an unrestricted value rather than X itself.
Learn first
疑问代词的非疑问用法Non-Question Uses of Wh-Words
Recognize non-question 什么 as an unrestricted value before interpreting the repeated echo frame.
Compare
看 / 瞧你那（X）样看 / 瞧你那（X）样 for a Critical Reaction
Both depend on interpersonal stance, while 看你那样 directly criticizes visible conduct.
RECOMMENDED NEXT
Easy to confuse
Both echo a choice with accommodation, but 什么 repeats an unrestricted value rather than X itself.