“什么”是疑问代词,它有两个基本语义特征,一表示指代,二表示疑问语气。指代是代词的范畴,是实;疑问是语气的范畴,是虚。本文把“什么”一词分为四大类,分析指代和疑问语气这两个语义特征的关系,以及在语用上的体现。 “What ” is interrogative pronouns, it has two basic semantic features, one that refers to the second, that the tone of interrogation. Refers to the category of pronouns, is real; doubt is the tone of the category, is empty. This article divides the word “what” into four categories, and analyzes the relationship between the two semantic features and the tone of interrogation, as well as their pragmatic implications.