'shenme' just means "what?" in Chinese. I thought it appropriately humble for a monk that knows he doesn't know, and will be saying that a lot. (Oh, and my hearing is getting bad, too.)

And why am I learning (well, trying to) Mandarin Chinese? I needed to stretch myself in other directions, and I figure if I'm daily/weekly reminded of my weaknesses in this area, I won't possibly ever think myself superior in any. It's working...

谢 谢 朋 友 门 (xie4 xie peng1 you men = thank you friends)