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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "what should we do" with 怎么办 (zěnme bàn)

    HSK 4
    Questions

    Structure

    Subject + 怎么办

    Explanation

    怎么办 (zěnme bàn) means "what should we do" or "what if," used to express concern or ask for a solution when facing a problem. It conveys worry about a situation and seeks advice or expresses helplessness.

    Examples

    • 要是明天下雨怎么办？

      Yàoshi míngtiān xià yǔ zěnme bàn?

      What do we do if it rains tomorrow?

    • 钥匙丢了怎么办？

      Yàoshi diū le zěnme bàn?

      What do we do if the key is lost?

    • 他不同意的话我们怎么办？

      Tā bù tóngyì de huà wǒmen zěnme bàn?

      What do we do if he doesn't agree?

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    Expressing "what should we do" with 怎么办 (zěnme bàn) | Chinese Grammar