HSK 7
疑问代词：何
yí wèn dài cí ： hé
Interrogative pronoun 何
Explanation
何 (hé) is an interrogative pronoun (a word used to ask questions) meaning "what, which," carrying a formal/written tone (usage found in books and documents, seldom in speech) compared to the everyday 什么 (shénme, what). It can ask directly or be embedded within a sentence (indirect questions).
何 + noun/word of time or place, e.g. 何时 (hé shí, when), 何地 (hé dì, where), 何人 (hé rén, who); or 有何 + noun (= 有什么, to have any...).
mainly in written language, slogans, idioms, and formal sentences; very rare in everyday conversation.
using 何 in casual everyday speech makes it sound stiff; remember that 何 stands immediately before the word being asked about and does not stand alone like 什么 (you cannot say "你要何?", you must say 你要什么 or, in written language, 你要何物).
many fixed compounds retain 何: 如何 (rúhé, how), 为何 (wèihé, why), 何况 (hékuàng, let alone).
Examples
When do we set off?
No matter what questions you may have, you can always come to the office to find me.
Practice
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Learn “疑问代词：何” effectively
The grammar point “疑问代词：何” (Interrogative pronoun 何) 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.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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