what do you want
The phrase "what do you want" is versatile in English, with its meaning heavily influenced by tone and context.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
A2General
(informal)A question asking someone to specify their need or desire.
Example
- What do you want for dinner?
- She turned to him and asked, 'What do you want?'
B1Interpersonal
(informal, rude)A blunt inquiry implying that the speaker is not interested in engaging in pleasantries.
Example
- He snapped, 'What do you want?' when interrupted during his work.
B1Customer Service
(neutral)A straightforward request for someone to specify their needs or wishes.
Example
- The clerk asked, 'What do you want?' to understand the customer's needs.
B2Idiomatic
(informal, idiomatic)Used to imply that someone's complaints or expectations are unrealistic.
Example
- After hearing the complaint, she shrugged and said, 'What do you want? Life isn't always fair.'
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "what do you want":
do wantwhat do you saywhat do you meanwhat do you knowhow do you likehow do you do