What's wrong? means what's the matter? or what's the problem? It's a caring question to someone who looks upset or unwell. You can ask the same about a machine that isn't working: What's wrong with the printer?
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What's wrong?; What's wrong with + noun/it?; Is something wrong? → Nothing, I'm fine.
- You've been quiet all evening. What's wrong? Did something happen at work?
- My laptop won't turn on, and I have no idea what's wrong with it.
- 'What's wrong?' 'Nothing serious, I'm just tired after the long flight.'
What changed
First versionThe app keeps crashing, and I can't understand what is not so.
RevisionThe app keeps crashing, and I can't understand what is wrong.
What is not so is a word-for-word attempt at “what isn't right”, but English doesn't ask about problems this way. To ask about a problem, use wrong: What is wrong means what isn't right, what the fault is.
Add with you and the tone changes. What's wrong with you? often sounds like a reproach, “what on earth is the matter with you?”: Why did you shout at the waiter? What's wrong with you? If you want to sound sympathetic, just ask What's wrong? or Are you OK?
Your turn
Anna looks upset after the phone call, so I sit next to her and ask quietly, '___? Can I help?'
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What's wrong — Anna is upset, and you sit down next to her and offer help, so you need the caring question What's wrong? With with you, the question can easily sound like a reproach, which doesn't fit Can I help?
Write a short dialogue: you notice that a friend or colleague isn't OK and ask What's wrong. They name the reason, and you offer specific help.
'You look stressed. What's wrong?' 'My train was cancelled, and I'll be late for my interview.' 'Don't worry, I can drive you there.'
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