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What's bothering you

🇬🇧 UK //wɒts ˈbɒðərɪŋ juː// 🇺🇸 US //wɑts ˈbɑːðərɪŋ ju//

Meaning of What's bothering you

A phrase used to inquire about someone's worries or troubles.

In simple words: What is troubling you?

What's bothering you in a sentence

• I noticed you’ve been quiet lately, what’s bothering you?
• After the meeting, she asked him, 'What’s bothering you?'
• He has a frown on his face. I wonder what's bothering him.
• When I saw her crying, I couldn't help but ask, 'What's bothering you?'
• During lunch, I turned to my friend and said, 'What’s bothering you?'

How to use What's bothering you

Used to ask someone about their problems or worries. Suitable for casual and supportive conversations. Avoid in formal settings.

Grammar pattern

standalone greeting

Memory hint

Imagine a friend tapping you on the shoulder and asking, 'What’s bothering you?'

Related words

Collocations with What's bothering you

• genuinely asking
• carefully approach
• open up
• share feelings

Synonyms for What's bothering you

• What's wrong?
• What troubles you?
• Is something bothering you?

Common mistakes with What's bothering you

• Using it with a demanding tone instead of a caring tone.
• Confusing it with 'What is wrong with you?' which sounds accusatory.

Frequently asked questions about What's bothering you

What does What's bothering you mean?

What is troubling you?

What is the definition of What's bothering you?

A phrase used to inquire about someone's worries or troubles.

How do you use What's bothering you in a sentence?

I noticed you’ve been quiet lately, what’s bothering you?

Can you give another example of What's bothering you?

After the meeting, she asked him, 'What’s bothering you?'

What are synonyms for What's bothering you?

Common alternatives include What's wrong?, What troubles you?, Is something bothering you?.

What words go with What's bothering you?

It commonly pairs with genuinely asking, carefully approach, open up, share feelings.

What are common mistakes when using What's bothering you?

Using it with a demanding tone instead of a caring tone. Confusing it with 'What is wrong with you?' which sounds accusatory.

How do you pronounce What's bothering you?

US: //wɑts ˈbɑːðərɪŋ ju//, UK: //wɒts ˈbɒðərɪŋ juː//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use What's bothering you?

Used to ask someone about their problems or worries. Suitable for casual and supportive conversations. Avoid in formal settings.