Correct

什么东西

/ shén me dōng xī /
Strokes
https://i.cchatty2.com/filters:format(webp)/fit-in/684x0/img/202102/什么东西-Chinese-idioms-Cchatty-223e74aa-46ac-4b1d-8151-322f7c8e8b62-1612776374.jpg

Collocation

1
算不了什么东西
2
是个什么东西
3
算个什么东西

Definition

什么东西

Literally means:

what is it

Actually means:

什么, used in front of a noun, is a negative assessment of a person or thing. 东西 refers to an unwelcomed person or something indecent.

This phrase is used to express contempt, negation, disapproval or censure. It is sometimes used to curse a person.

什么,用在名词前面,表示对某人或事物有着不好的评价。东西,在这里指不喜欢的人或物。

什么东西,表示对某人或物抱着轻视、否定、不满、责难等态度。有时用来骂人。具有贬义色彩。

Example

Used as a minor sentence or as object. (作小句、宾语)
1
Shénme
什么
dōng
东西
  
,
zhuāngzuōyàng
装模作样
de
  
,
kàn
le
jiù
lái
  

What, pretend, I looked at it and was angry.

2
Zài
biéren
别人
de
yǎnzhōng
眼中
  
,
也许
qiú
足球
suàn
liǎo
shénme
什么
dōng
东西
  
,
dànshì
但是
zài
zhè
wèi
jiàoliàn
教练
de
yǎnzhōng
眼中
  
,
qiú
足球
几乎
shì
de
shēngmìng
生命
  

In the eyes of others, football may not be anything, but in the coach's eyes, football is almost his life.

3
xiéyǎn
斜眼
kàn
zhāo
duìfāng
对方
shuō
  
:
yào
不要
juéde
觉得
自己
hěn
liǎobu
了不起
  
,
suàn
shénme
什么
dōng
东西
ā
  
?
jiùshì
就是
yǒudiǎn
有点
wénhuà
文化
ma
  

He looked at each other and said, "Don't think you're great, what are you?" It's not just a bit of a culture. ”