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To inquire about the significance, worth, or purpose of something.
你觉得学习编程有什么价值？
Do you think learning programming has any value?
这部电影有什么价值？
What's the value of this movie?
Often used in discussions about the importance or usefulness of actions, investments, or efforts.
In formal settings like academic or business discussions, this phrase can sound more polite than '有什么用' (yǒu shén me yòng, 'what's the use'). It implies a deeper inquiry into purpose rather than mere utility.
Do not translate '有什么价值' as 'have what value' in English. The natural equivalent is 'what's the point' or 'what's the value' depending on context.
The phrase combines 有 (yǒu, 'to have'), 什么 (shén me, 'what'), and 价值 (jià zhí, 'value'). 价值 itself derives from 价 (jià, 'price' or 'worth') + 值 (zhí, 'value' or 'equivalent'), tracing back to classical Chinese usage in economic contexts.
This phrase is neutral in tone and commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to seek justification or rationale. It can sound slightly formal or rhetorical in some contexts.