HSK 7
什么X的Y的
shén me X de Y de
The structure '什么X的Y的'
Explanation
什么X的Y的 is a fixed structure of colloquial speech (everyday spoken language) used to list off a few things dismissively, with an attitude of making light of them and considering them not worth distinguishing, equivalent to "whether it's X or Y…".
什么 (shénme) + X + 的 (de) + Y + 的 (de)，+ [sweeping remark]. X and Y are usually nouns or adjectives forming a pair (你的/我的, 好的/坏的). The following clause usually has 都 (dōu, "all") to clinch the sense of "all the same."
when you want to brush aside the distinction among the things mentioned, showing an easygoing or annoyed attitude; used only in speech.
什么 here does not ask "what" but expresses negation/dismissiveness; the two 的 attached after X and Y are obligatory to create the rhythm of the structure.
understanding 什么 in its interrogative sense "what" (wrong nuance); dropping the 的; using it in formal writing (this structure suits only colloquial speech).
Examples
Whether it's yours or mine, it all belongs to everyone.
Whether it's the good kind or the bad kind, what we bought is all the same.
Practice
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Learn “什么X的Y的” effectively
The grammar point “什么X的Y的” (The structure '什么X的Y的') is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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