So what do you have to say?

[羡鱼-Xianyu]

So what do you have to say? (No context)

Hi teachers,
What does the above sentence mean? I read it from a Enlish-studying website and its Chinese version says that 'This is just what I want to do.' As far as I could see, the version is wrongly translated, and it should be 'what do you want to say?', right?

Any opinions are greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[TheParser]

So what do you have to say? (No context)

Hi teachers,
What does the above sentence mean? I read it from a Enlish-studying website and its Chinese version says that 'This is just what I want to do.' As far as I could see, the version is wrongly translated, and it should be 'what do you want to say?', right?

Any opinions are greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Good morning.

(1) I don't know the context, so I can't answer your specific question.

(2) I do know that "So what do you have to say?" means something like:

TOM: Did you wish to see me, sir?

MR. SMITH: Yes, I did. Mona says that you have been very rude to her. So what do you have to say? = What is your side/explanation.

Have a nice day!

 

[羡鱼-Xianyu]

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Good morning.

(1) I don't know the context, so I can't answer your specific question.

(2) I do know that "So what do you have to say?" means something like:

TOM: Did you wish to see me, sir?

MR. SMITH: Yes, I did. Mona says that you have been very rude to her. So what do you have to say? = What is your side/explanation.

Have a nice day!

Good afternoon, TheParser. (Perhaps I should say 'Good Morning' to you. Now it must be morning in your country. )

Thank you for your good example. It easily helps me to understand this sentence's meaning.:up:

Have a nice day to you, too!

 

[TheParser]

Thank you, Xianyu, for your kind note. Have a nice day.

 

[bds51]

Hello Xianyu,
You were right. "So, what you have to say"? either means 'what's your opinion' or 'what you do think? ' or as the Parser suggested 'explain or justify one's actions'

 

[TheParser]

So what do you have to say? (No context)

Hi teachers,
What does the above sentence mean? I read it from a Enlish-studying website and its Chinese version says that 'This is just what I want to do.' As far as I could see, the version is wrongly translated, and it should be 'what do you want to say?', right?

Any opinions are greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Hello again.

(1) bds51 was very helpful in pointing out another explanation:

BOSS: Well, ladies and gentlemen, I have given you my ideas. What do you all have to say about the situation? = An invitation to share ideas.

*****

Another example of the other meaning (justify your actions):

MOTHER (says angrily to her little boy): The school principal says that you have been rude to your teacher. Well, young man, what do you have to say for yourself!!!!!