Shen ma

Mandarin Chinese for "What". When used in English, can be the equivelant of "what" or "huh". When used for "huh", shen ma is emphasized the same facial expressions as "huh" - ie. confused.

When spoken, MA is pronounced as a very quick MAH, and is of a higher tone than SHEN. It is accepted if both are said in a relatively flat tone. Both SHEN and MA should be said quickly but audibly.

When used as "what"

A: Hey, guess what?
B: Shen ma?
A: I just got my results back

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When used as "huh"

A. I saw my girlfriend with her ex again today.
B. Shen ma?
A. Yeah, she told me it was over, but she was all over him.

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