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What does What's up in English mean? The correct usage of What's up in English
What's up in English is a widespread communication phrase in English, but many people still misuse it in different contexts. In this article, PREP will help you understand the meaning, similar greetings, and how to respond to What's up in English. Check it out now!

I. What does What's up in English mean?
What's up in English is a popular greeting in English, used to inquire about someone's current situation or to start an intimate conversation. Although What's up ends with a question mark, it does not require a detailed answer. For example:
- A: What’s up?
- B: I am going to the park.

II. How to respond to the question What's up in English

So, when you receive the greeting What's up in English from your close friends, how would you respond? Below are some suggested responses by PREP for your reference. Check them out now!
No. |
How to respond to the question What's up in English |
1 |
Good, how about you? |
2 |
Good, and you? |
3 |
Not much, just relaxing. |
4 |
Same old, same old. |
5 |
Just busy with work. |
6 |
Nothing special, just the usual. |
7 |
Just hanging out. |
8 |
I'm doing well, thanks. How about you? |
9 |
Nothing much, just enjoying the day. |
10 |
Just got back from . |
III. Differentiating What's up? and What is wrong with…?
After understanding what What's up in English means, let's explore the differences between What's up? and What is wrong with…?!
What's up? |
What is wrong with…? |
|
Usage |
Ask about someone's current situation or is used to start an intimate conversation. With this question, the asker doesn't require a detailed answer. |
Implies that someone is facing an issue, and you ask to understand the specific cause. |
Example |
Hey, John! What's up? |
What is wrong with John? He seems upset today. |
IV. Some synonyms with What's up in English
The question What's up in English can also be replaced with various questions depending on the context and the level of closeness in the relationship. Here are some synonyms with What's up in English that PREP has gathered. Take a look!
- How are you doing?
- How are you?
- What's going on?
- How's it going?
- What's new?
- How's everything?
- How have you been?
- How's life treating you?
- Any news?
- What's the latest?

V. Exercise on using What's up in English
Choose suitable questions to fill in blanks: What's up?, What is wrong with…?
- You see your friend looking upset and you want to start a casual conversation. You ask, "__________?"
- Your colleague looks frustrated and is staring at their computer screen. You ask, "__________ your computer?"
- You meet a friend after not seeing them for a while. You ask, "__________?"
- Your sibling is crying after coming home from school. You ask, "__________?"
- You see a coworker who seems distracted and you want to start a casual chat. You ask, "__________?"
- Your friend is holding their stomach in pain. You ask, "__________ you?"
- You receive a text from your friend that says, "Can we talk?" You reply, "__________?"
- Your classmate is frowning at their assignment. You ask, "__________ your assignment?"
- You notice your neighbor looking puzzled while checking their mailbox. You ask, "__________?"
- Your partner is silent and seems unhappy after work. You ask, "__________?"
- You see a stranger looking confused at the bus stop. You ask, "__________?"
- Your roommate is struggling with the TV remote. You ask, "__________ the remote?"
- Your friend seems preoccupied during lunch. You ask, "__________?"
- Your sibling is upset after a phone call. You ask, "__________?"
- You see your friend sighing while looking at their phone. You ask, "__________?"
- Your coworker looks irritated while dealing with a printer. You ask, "__________ the printer?"
- You meet your cousin at a family gathering and want to catch up. You ask, "__________?"
- Your classmate looks troubled during the exam. You ask, "__________?"
- Your friend is pacing back and forth nervously. You ask, "__________?"
- Your partner is struggling to open a jar in the kitchen. You ask, "__________ the jar?"
Answer:
- What's up?
- What is wrong with your computer?
- What's up?
- What is wrong with you?
- What's up?
- What is wrong with you?
- What's up?
- What is wrong with your assignment?
- What's up?
- What is wrong with you?
- What's up?
- What is wrong with the remote?
- What's up?
- What is wrong with you?
- What's up?
- What is wrong with the printer?
- What's up?
- What is wrong with you?
- What's up?
- What is wrong with the jar?
Through this article, PREP hopes that you have grasped the definition, usage, and list of synonymous greetings with What's up in English. Let’s follow PREP for more useful English knowledge! Wishing you success!

Hi I'm Chloe, and I am currently serving as an Product Content Administrator at Prep Education. With over five years of experience in independent online IELTS study and exam preparation, I am confident in my ability to support learners in achieving their highest possible scores.
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