whataboutとは 意味・読み方・使い方

副詞

what about (not comparable)

1. Used to make a suggestion.

   What about going to a restaurant tonight?

2. Used to ask someone to consider something or someone that they have apparently not considered.

   You're obviously having a good time, but what about me?

   Move to another country? What about where we’re going to live?

   • 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 15, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC:

     ‘No,’ said Luke, grinning at her. ‘You're not dull enough! […] What about the kid's clothes? I don't suppose they were anything to write home about, but didn't you keep anything? A bootee or a bit of embroidery or anything at all?’

3. Used to repeat a question but referring to a different subject or object.

   “Is John coming tomorrow?” “Yes.” “What about David?”

   “Do you like football?” “No.” “What about basketball?”

4. Used to inquire about the purpose of someone introducing a subject to the speaker.

   “Do you remember John Smith from work?” “Yeah, what about him?” “Oh, nothing. I just ran into him today.”

5. Used to express approval of an occurrence or a result.

   What about the second goal!

同意語

• (making a suggestion): how about, how’s about
• (asking for consideration): what of, how about

派生語

• whataboutery
• whataboutism