# ❓ Asking Questions ```json <{ "emoji": "❓", "tagline": "Asking Questions in Mandarin: Simple Sentence Structures", "description": "Learn how to form yes-no and information questions in Mandarin with correct word order, key question particles (ma) and common question words. Includes examples, practice tips, and quick drills.", "metadata": { "language-from": "English", "language-to": "Mandarin Chinese", "level": "A2", "name": "62c55b09" }, "prompts": [ "Asking Questions" ], "name": "691a5083" }> ``` In Mandarin, questions are formed by adding question particles, using question words, or changing sentence structure to prompt a response. This guide covers the main ways to ask questions so you can gather information smoothly. --- ## Asking Yes/No Questions Yes/no questions are formed by adding the particle *ma* 吗 at the end of a statement. The sentence stays in declarative order and the listener answers yes or no. This is the simplest question type for beginners. | Hanzi Example | Pinyin Example | English Translation | | --- | --- | --- | | 你是老师吗？ | Nǐ shì lǎoshī ma? | Are you a teacher? | | 他去中国了吗？ | Tā qù Zhōngguó le ma? | Did he go to China? | | 你喜欢咖啡吗？ | Nǐ xǐhuān kāfēi ma? | Do you like coffee? | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "16657bbd", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "你喜欢喝 ___ (coffee) 吗？", "answer": [ "kāfēi" ], "translation": "Do you like to drink coffee?", "emoji": "☕", "explanation": "Practice the word for 'coffee' inside a yes/no question.", "name": "620513e7" }, { "quiz": "16657bbd", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which sentence correctly forms a yes/no question with 'ma' 吗?", "correct": [ "你是学生吗？" ], "incorrect": [ "吗你是学生？", "你是吗学生？", "你吗是学生？" ], "emoji": "❓", "explanation": "Yes/no questions add 'ma' at the end without changing word order.", "name": "4137b608" }, { "quiz": "16657bbd", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "他昨天去了北京 ___ (particle for yes/no question)？", "answer": [ "ma" ], "translation": "Did he go to Beijing yesterday?", "emoji": "🧭", "explanation": "Add the particle 'ma' to turn the statement into a yes/no question.", "name": "6f516894" }, { "quiz": "16657bbd", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "fact", "prompt": "Select all that are true about yes/no questions with 'ma'.", "correct": [ "The sentence order stays the same as a statement", "'Ma' comes at the end of the sentence" ], "incorrect": [ "You must invert the subject and verb", "'Ma' replaces the verb" ], "emoji": "📝", "explanation": "'Ma' simply tags the statement to indicate a yes/no question; word order does not change.", "name": "7beda1d9" } ], "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "name": "508d04ac" }> ``` | Hanzi Character(s) | Pinyin Word(s) | English Translation(s) | | --- | --- | --- | | ☕️ 你喝咖啡吗？ | Nǐ hē kāfēi ma? | Do you drink coffee? | | ✅ 我喝咖啡。 | Wǒ hē kāfēi. | I drink coffee. | | ❌ 我不喝咖啡。 | Wǒ bù hē kāfēi. | I don’t drink coffee. | --- ## Asking What Questions The word for "what" is *shénme* 什么 and it replaces the noun or phrase you want to know. Use it in the normal position where the information would appear. This pattern works for things, actions, and categories. | Hanzi Example | Pinyin Example | English Translation | | --- | --- | --- | | 你买了什么？ | Nǐ mǎi le shénme? | What did you buy? | | 他在说什么？ | Tā zài shuō shénme? | What is he saying? | | 这是什么？ | Zhè shì shénme? | What is this? | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "51c9643e", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "你买了 ___ (what)？", "answer": [ "shénme" ], "translation": "What did you buy?", "emoji": "🛒", "explanation": "Use 'shénme' to replace the unknown item in question.", "name": "fc0b9e6" }, { "quiz": "51c9643e", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Where does 'shénme' appear in a sentence?", "correct": [ "In the position of the missing information it replaces" ], "incorrect": [ "Always at the very start of the sentence", "At the end after 'ma'", "Before the subject" ], "emoji": "🔍", "explanation": "'Shénme' takes the place of the unknown noun or phrase; it follows normal sentence order.", "name": "7bceb17a" }, { "quiz": "51c9643e", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "这 ___ (what)？", "answer": [ "shì shénme" ], "translation": "What is this?", "emoji": "🖐️", "explanation": "For 'What is this?' use the structure 'Zhè shì shénme?'.", "name": "4cf44e69" }, { "quiz": "51c9643e", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "translation", "prompt": "Choose the best translation for 'What are you saying?'", "correct": [ "他说什么？" ], "incorrect": [ "他说吗？", "他说怎么？", "他说哪里？" ], "emoji": "🗣️", "explanation": "Replace the unknown phrase with 'shénme' in the place of the object.", "name": "51fdc0a7" } ], "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "name": "6195258b" }> ``` | Hanzi Character(s) | Pinyin Word(s) | English Translation(s) | | --- | --- | --- | | ☕️ 你要什么咖啡？ | Nǐ yào shénme kāfēi? | What coffee do you want? | | 🥛 我要一杯牛奶咖啡。 | Wǒ yào yì bēi niúnǎi kāfēi. | I want a cup of latte. | | 🍵 他要一壶茶。 | Tā yào yì hú chá. | He wants a pot of tea. | --- ## Asking Time Questions Use *shénme shíhòu* 什么时候 to ask about time. Place it where the time phrase would go, usually before the verb or at the start of the sentence. This question asks for a specific moment or general time. | Hanzi Example | Pinyin Example | English Translation | | --- | --- | --- | | 你什么时候去北京？ | Nǐ shénme shíhòu qù Běijīng? | When are you going to Beijing? | | 他什么时候回来？ | Tā shénme shíhòu huílái? | When will he come back? | | 会议什么时候开始？ | Huìyì shénme shíhòu kāishǐ? | When does the meeting start? | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "7f7fcf96", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "你 ___ (when) 去北京？", "answer": [ "shénme shíhòu" ], "translation": "When are you going to Beijing?", "emoji": "🕒", "explanation": "Use 'shénme shíhòu' to ask about time.", "name": "2bee9130" }, { "quiz": "7f7fcf96", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Where can 'shénme shíhòu' appear in a sentence?", "correct": [ "At the time position before the verb or at the start" ], "incorrect": [ "Only at the end after 'ma'", "Before the subject always", "After every noun" ], "emoji": "⏰", "explanation": "Time words appear where the time phrase would go; sentence-initial placement is also common.", "name": "17b44fff" }, { "quiz": "7f7fcf96", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "会议 ___ (when) 开始？", "answer": [ "shénme shíhòu" ], "translation": "When does the meeting start?", "emoji": "🏢", "explanation": "Replace the time phrase with 'shénme shíhòu'.", "name": "af8da0b" }, { "quiz": "7f7fcf96", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "fact", "prompt": "Select all correct statements about time questions.", "correct": [ "They ask for specific or general time", "They use 'shénme shíhòu' to replace the time phrase" ], "incorrect": [ "They always require 'ma' at the end", "They change the sentence to subject-object-verb" ], "emoji": "🗓️", "explanation": "Time questions keep normal order; 'ma' is not required just because it's a time question.", "name": "5001f58e" } ], "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "name": "454b6931" }> ``` | Hanzi Character(s) | Pinyin Word(s) | English Translation(s) | | --- | --- | --- | | ⏰ 咖啡店什么时候开门？ | Kāfēi diàn shénme shíhou kāimén? | When does the café open? | | 🕗 八点开门。 | Bā diǎn kāimén. | It opens at eight o’clock. | | 🌇 我们晚上七点去喝咖啡。 | Wǒmen wǎnshàng qī diǎn qù hē kāfēi. | We go for coffee at seven in the evening. | --- ## Asking Questions about Place To ask about place, use *nǎlǐ* 哪里 or *nǎr* 哪儿. They function the same way: they replace the location phrase and appear where the place would be in the sentence. Both forms are common, with *nǎr* 哪儿 more colloquial. | Hanzi Example | Pinyin Example | English Translation | | --- | --- | --- | | 你在哪里买东西？ | Nǐ zài nǎlǐ mǎi dōngxī? | Where do you buy things? | | 他去哪儿了？ | Tā qù nǎr le? | Where did he go? | | 餐厅在哪里？ | Cāntīng zài nǎlǐ? | Where is the restaurant? | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "7568e22a", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "你在哪里买东西？ → 你 ___ (where) 买东西？", "answer": [ "zài nǎlǐ" ], "translation": "Where do you buy things?", "emoji": "🛍️", "explanation": "Use 'nǎlǐ' (or 'nǎr') to replace the location.", "name": "3aa52558" }, { "quiz": "7568e22a", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Choose all acceptable forms for 'where' in Mandarin.", "correct": [ "nǎlǐ", "nǎr" ], "incorrect": [ "nǎi", "nàlǐ" ], "emoji": "📍", "explanation": "'Nǎlǐ' and 'nǎr' are both standard for 'where'; 'nǎr' is more colloquial in many regions.", "name": "22f068ed" }, { "quiz": "7568e22a", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "餐厅 ___ (where)？", "answer": [ "zài nǎlǐ" ], "translation": "Where is the restaurant?", "emoji": "🍽️", "explanation": "When asking about place in 'location + place' questions, include the preposition 'zài'.", "name": "16960a4c" }, { "quiz": "7568e22a", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "fact", "prompt": "Select the true statements about place questions.", "correct": [ "Place question words replace the location phrase", "Place words appear where the place would normally be" ], "incorrect": [ "Place questions always require 'ma'", "Place words must come at the start only" ], "emoji": "🧭", "explanation": "Place question words keep the original sentence position of the location.", "name": "2b1ff238" } ], "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "name": "21e23116" }> ``` | Hanzi Character(s) | Pinyin Word(s) | English Translation(s) | | --- | --- | --- | | 📍 咖啡店在哪里？ | Kāfēi diàn zài nǎlǐ? | Where is the café? | | 🏠 咖啡店在公园旁边。 | Kāfēi diàn zài gōngyuán pángbiān. | The café is next to the park. | | 🚶 我走路去咖啡店。 | Wǒ zǒulù qù kāfēi diàn. | I walk to the café. | --- ## Asking Questions for Reasons Use *wèishénme* 为什么 to ask for reasons. It typically comes at the beginning of the sentence followed by the cause or explanation you want. The answer usually starts with a reason or because phrase. | Hanzi Example | Pinyin Example | English Translation | | --- | --- | --- | | 你为什么学习中文？ | Nǐ wèishénme xuéxí Zhōngwén? | Why are you studying Chinese? | | 他为什么没来？ | Tā wèishénme méi lái? | Why didn't he come? | | 你为什么迟到？ | Nǐ wèishénme chídào? | Why were you late? | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "a359309", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "你 ___ (why) 学习中文？", "answer": [ "wèishénme" ], "translation": "Why are you studying Chinese?", "emoji": "❓", "explanation": "Use 'wèishénme' at the start to ask for reasons.", "name": "47e7b3e7" }, { "quiz": "a359309", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Where does 'wèishénme' usually appear?", "correct": [ "At the beginning of the sentence" ], "incorrect": [ "Always at the end after 'ma'", "In the middle replacing the verb", "After the subject only" ], "emoji": "🧐", "explanation": "'Wèishénme' typically comes first to signal a reason question.", "name": "776813a5" }, { "quiz": "a359309", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "他 ___ (why) 没来？", "answer": [ "wèishénme" ], "translation": "Why didn't he come?", "emoji": "🚫", "explanation": "Replace the reason phrase with 'wèishénme' at the start.", "name": "23d5ce93" }, { "quiz": "a359309", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "fact", "prompt": "Select all that apply about 'wèishénme' questions.", "correct": [ "Answers often start with a reason or 'because' phrase", "'Wèishénme' asks for cause or motivation" ], "incorrect": [ "They must use 'ma' at the end", "They always require inversion of subject and verb" ], "emoji": "💭", "explanation": "'Wèishénme' focuses on cause; sentence structure stays normal and 'ma' is not required.", "name": "c4f9710" } ], "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "name": "50df4f07" }> ``` | Hanzi Character(s) | Pinyin Word(s) | English Translation(s) | | --- | --- | --- | | ❓ 为什么咖啡那么贵？ | Wèishénme kāfēi nàme guì? | Why is the coffee so expensive? | | 💬 因为他们用了很好的豆子。 | Yīnwèi tāmen yòngle hěn hǎo de dòuzi. | Because they used very good beans. | | 👍 所以味道很好。 | Suǒyǐ wèidào hěn hǎo. | So the taste is very good. | --- ## Asking Questions about Manner, Method, or Cause *Zěnme* 怎么 asks about manner, method, or cause. It appears where the action is and can be followed by a verb, result, or explanation. Use it to find out how to do something or how something happened. | Hanzi Example | Pinyin Example | English Translation | | --- | --- | --- | | 你怎么去学校？ | Nǐ zěnme qù xuéxiào? | How do you go to school? | | 他今天怎么没说话？ | Tā jīntiān zěnme méi shuōhuà? | Why didn't he speak today? | | 我不知道怎么做饭。 | Wǒ bù zhīdào zěnme zuòfàn. | I don't know how to cook. | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "14a9f8be", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "你 ___ (how) 去学校？", "answer": [ "zěnme" ], "translation": "How do you go to school?", "emoji": "🚶‍♂️", "explanation": "'Zěnme' asks about manner or method and appears where the action is.", "name": "1f3e1659" }, { "quiz": "14a9f8be", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Choose all correct uses of 'zěnme'.", "correct": [ "To ask how to do something", "To ask why in a casual sense when followed by a result" ], "incorrect": [ "To ask who", "To replace the subject" ], "emoji": "🔧", "explanation": "'Zěnme' queries manner, method, or cause; it does not ask for identity.", "name": "2764d50e" }, { "quiz": "14a9f8be", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "我不知道 ___ (how) 做饭。", "answer": [ "zěnme" ], "translation": "I don't know how to cook.", "emoji": "🍳", "explanation": "Use 'zěnme' before the verb to ask about method or manner.", "name": "39f079a5" }, { "quiz": "14a9f8be", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "fact", "prompt": "Select true statements about 'zěnme' questions.", "correct": [ "They can be followed by a verb, result, or explanation", "They ask about manner or method" ], "incorrect": [ "They always require 'ma' at the end", "They replace the object with a number" ], "emoji": "🛠️", "explanation": "'Zěnme' focuses on 'how' and does not need 'ma' just because it's a question.", "name": "16bd59a4" } ], "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "name": "12fa59e7" }> ``` | Hanzi Character(s) | Pinyin Word(s) | English Translation(s) | | --- | --- | --- | | ☕️ 咖啡怎么做的？ | Kāfēi zěnme zuò de? | How is the coffee made? | | 🔥 他们用手工滤杯。 | Tāmen yòng shǒugōng lǜ bēi. | They use a manual pour-over. | | 💧 水慢慢倒在咖啡粉上。 | Shuǐ mànman dào zài kāfēi fěn shàng. | Water is slowly poured over the coffee grounds. | --- ## Asking Questions about Quantity or Price *Duōshǎo* 多少 asks about quantity or price. It replaces the number or amount in the sentence and is used for things you can count or measure. Place it where the number would normally go. | Hanzi Example | Pinyin Example | English Translation | | --- | --- | --- | | 这本书多少钱？ | Zhè běn shū duōshǎo qián? | How much is this book? | | 你家有多少人？ | Nǐ jiā yǒu duōshǎo rén? | How many people are in your family? | | 商店里有多少苹果？ | Shāngdiàn lǐ yǒu duōshǎo píngguǒ? | How many apples are in the store? | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "82ea370", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "这本书 ___ (how much)？", "answer": [ "duōshǎo qián" ], "translation": "How much is this book?", "emoji": "📚", "explanation": "Use 'duōshǎo' to ask about price or quantity; include measure word if needed.", "name": "4371ebc2" }, { "quiz": "82ea370", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Where does 'duōshǎo' go in a sentence?", "correct": [ "In the position of the number or amount it replaces" ], "incorrect": [ "Always at the start of the sentence", "After the verb only", "At the very end after 'le'" ], "emoji": "💰", "explanation": "'Duōshǎo' replaces the numeral and stays where the number would normally appear.", "name": "107d394f" }, { "quiz": "82ea370", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "你家有 ___ (how many) 人？", "answer": [ "duōshǎo" ], "translation": "How many people are in your family?", "emoji": "🏠", "explanation": "Use 'duōshǎo' to question quantity; it can be used without 'qián' when asking about counts.", "name": "f7ed784" }, { "quiz": "82ea370", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "fact", "prompt": "Select all correct uses of 'duōshǎo'.", "correct": [ "To ask about price with 'qián'", "To ask about quantity or amount" ], "incorrect": [ "To ask for reasons", "To replace a verb" ], "emoji": "🧮", "explanation": "'Duōshǎo' is for amounts or numbers, not causes or actions.", "name": "5e5c9c20" } ], "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "name": "9ee8eaf" }> ``` | Hanzi Character(s) | Pinyin Word(s) | English Translation(s) | | --- | --- | --- | | ☕️ 一杯咖啡多少钱？ | Yì bēi kāfēi duōshǎo qián? | How much is a cup of coffee? | | 💵 十五块钱一杯。 | Shíwǔ kuài qián yì bēi. | Fifteen yuan per cup. | | 🥐 两个羊角面包多少钱？ | Liǎng gè yángjiǎo miànbāo duōshǎo qián? | How much for two croissants? | --- ## Asking Questions about People *Shéi* 谁 asks about people and takes the place of the person in question. It can be the subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase depending on the sentence. Use it to identify someone by name or role. | Hanzi Example | Pinyin Example | English Translation | | --- | --- | --- | | 谁来了？ | Shéi lái le? | Who came? | | 你认识谁？ | Nǐ rènshí shéi? | Who do you know? | | 这是谁的书？ | Zhè shì shéi de shū? | Whose book is this? | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "47b0c2bf", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "___ (who) 来了？", "answer": [ "shéi" ], "translation": "Who came?", "emoji": "🧑‍🤝‍🧑", "explanation": "'Shéi' replaces the person and can be subject or object depending on sentence.", "name": "545d786f" }, { "quiz": "47b0c2bf", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which sentence correctly uses 'shéi'?", "correct": [ "你认识谁？" ], "incorrect": [ "谁你认识？", "你shéi认识？", "你认识shénme？" ], "emoji": "👤", "explanation": "'Shéi' follows normal word order; the correct sentence places it where the person would be.", "name": "6f1377e9" }, { "quiz": "47b0c2bf", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "这 ___ (whose) 书？", "answer": [ "shì shéi de" ], "translation": "Whose book is this?", "emoji": "📖", "explanation": "Use 'shì shéi de' to ask possession (whose).", "name": "e582f21" }, { "quiz": "47b0c2bf", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "fact", "prompt": "Select all true statements about 'shéi'.", "correct": [ "It can be subject or object", "It identifies people" ], "incorrect": [ "It replaces places", "It always requires 'ma'" ], "emoji": "🧩", "explanation": "'Shéi' is for people and does not require 'ma' just because it's a question about identity.", "name": "5e598593" } ], "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "name": "2f3d9ec3" }> ``` | Hanzi Character(s) | Pinyin Word(s) | English Translation(s) | | --- | --- | --- | | 👩‍💼 谁是咖啡师？ | Shéi shì kāfēishī? | Who is the barista? | | 👨 他是穿围裙的人。 | Tā shì chuān wéiqún de rén. | He is the person wearing the apron. | | 🧑 我认识她，她很会拉花。 | Wǒ rènshí tā, tā hěn huì lāhuā. | I know her, she’s great at latte art. | --- ## Turning Statements into Questions Tag questions add *duì bu duì* 对不对 or *shì bu shì* 是不是 at the end to confirm information. They turn a statement into a question that expects agreement. This is useful for double-checking or prompting a short response. | Hanzi Example | Pinyin Example | English Translation | | --- | --- | --- | | 你是老师，对不对？ | Nǐ shì lǎoshī, duì bu duì? | You are a teacher, right? | | 他昨天去了，是不是？ | Tā zuótiān qù le, shì bu shì? | He went yesterday, didn't he? | | 你喜欢这本书，对不对？ | Nǐ xǐhuān zhè běn shū, duì bu duì? | You like this book, don't you? | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "79cb639f", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "你是老师， ___ (tag: right or not)？", "answer": [ "duì bu duì" ], "translation": "You are a teacher, right?", "emoji": "✔️", "explanation": "Add 'duì bu duì' to turn a statement into a tag question expecting confirmation.", "name": "4177c72c" }, { "quiz": "79cb639f", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which of these can be used as tag question particles? (choose two)", "correct": [ "duì bu duì", "shì bu shì" ], "incorrect": [ "ma", "wèishénme" ], "emoji": "🗨️", "explanation": "Tags like 'duì bu duì' and 'shì bu shì' invite confirmation; 'ma' is different and 'wèishénme' asks for reason.", "name": "4c4721c0" }, { "quiz": "79cb639f", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "他说昨天去了，___ (tag: isn't it)？", "answer": [ "shì bu shì" ], "translation": "He said he went yesterday, didn't he?", "emoji": "🕵️‍♀️", "explanation": "Use 'shì bu shì' after the statement as a confirmatory tag.", "name": "4edfe8d" }, { "quiz": "79cb639f", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "fact", "prompt": "Select all that apply for tag questions.", "correct": [ "They repeat part of the statement in question form", "They expect agreement or confirmation" ], "incorrect": [ "They always replace the main verb", "They require inversion of subject and verb" ], "emoji": "🤝", "explanation": "Tags confirm information and keep sentence order; they do not invert or replace verbs.", "name": "50b7661f" } ], "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "name": "21f4a3bd" }> ``` | Hanzi Character(s) | Pinyin Word(s) | English Translation(s) | | --- | --- | --- | | 你喝咖啡。 | Nǐ hē kāfēi. | You drink coffee. | | 你喝咖啡吗？ | Nǐ hē kāfēi ma? | Do you drink coffee? | | 你今天去咖啡店？ | Nǐ jīntiān qù kāfēi diàn? | Are you going to the café today? | --- ## Alternative Particles In spoken Mandarin, questions sometimes use particles like *ne* 呢 or tone changes instead of *ma* 吗. Adding *ne* 呢 can turn the question back to the listener or soften it. Context and intonation matter for these more natural forms. | Hanzi Example | Pinyin Example | English Translation | | --- | --- | --- | | 你去学校，他呢？ | Nǐ qù xuéxiào, tā ne? | You go to school, what about him? | | 你忙吗？ | Nǐ máng ma? | Are you busy? | | 他在做什么呢？ | Tā zài zuò shénme ne? | What is he doing (right now)? | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "1086a6fa", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "你去学校，他 ___ (particle to return the question)?", "answer": [ "ne" ], "translation": "You go to school, what about him?", "emoji": "🔄", "explanation": "'Ne' can return the question to the listener or soften it in short exchanges.", "name": "6fd46758" }, { "quiz": "1086a6fa", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "When is 'ne' commonly used in questions?", "correct": [ "To return the question to the listener", "To ask complementary information" ], "incorrect": [ "Always to form yes/no questions", "To replace 'ma' at the end in formal writing" ], "emoji": "↩️", "explanation": "'Ne' often appears in conversational contexts to turn the attention back or create a gentle question.", "name": "19cc4702" }, { "quiz": "1086a6fa", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "你忙 ___ (particle)？", "answer": [ "ma" ], "translation": "Are you busy?", "emoji": "⚡", "explanation": "Yes/no questions commonly use 'ma' at the end; 'ne' serves a different function.", "name": "1d5ab2db" }, { "quiz": "1086a6fa", "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "fact", "prompt": "Select true statements about question particles.", "correct": [ "'Ma' marks yes/no questions at the end", "'Ne' can return a question to the listener" ], "incorrect": [ "'Ne' always replaces the verb", "'Ma' is only used for polite requests" ], "emoji": "🧩", "explanation": "Each particle has distinct uses; 'ma' tags yes/no questions while 'ne' handles topical return or softening.", "name": "195b3dfc" } ], "topic": "chinese/grammar/sentence-structure/asking-questions", "name": "2feb5980" }> ``` --- ## Summary Mandarin questions rely on particles, question words, and sentence patterns to route the listener toward the needed information. Practicing each type will make your conversations more precise and natural. --- ## Yes-No Questions Yes-no questions keep the basic sentence order and add a particle like *ma* at the end to signal a question that expects affirmation or negation. This type is quick and common for confirming facts. --- ## Alternative Questions Alternative questions present two or more options and require the listener to choose between them. You pose them by placing choices on either side of a question particle or by intonation. --- ## Wh-Questions Wh-questions use question words like *shénme* (what), *nǎ* (which), *shéi* (who), and *jǐ* (how many) to ask for specific information. The question word replaces the relevant part of the sentence. --- ## Questions with *ne* The particle *ne* can turn attention back to the listener or ask for complementary information, often used in short exchanges or when returning a question. It keeps scenes conversational and natural. --- ## Questions with *duì bu duì* and Similar Tags Tag questions like *duì bu duì* (right or not) and *shì bú shì* add a confirming tone and invite agreement. They repeat part of the statement in question form to soften the ask and check understanding. --- ## Questions with *gēn* and *hé* To ask about companionship or association, use *gēn* or *hé* between two nouns, and sometimes turn the phrase into a question for clarity. They signal relationships like "with" or "together." --- ## Questions about Time, Place, and Manner Time, place, and manner questions use specific question words and follow typical sentence patterns to pinpoint when, where, or how something happens. They guide the listener to give concrete details. --- ## Questions about Reasons and Causes Reasons and causes are asked with words like *wèishénme* (why) and *gēnshàng* (to follow up) to uncover motivation or explanation. Responses often link back with because or provide context. --- ## Questions about Quantity and Price Quantities and prices are questioned with words like *duōshǎo* (how many/how much) and by placing measure words appropriately. These questions help get exact numbers or amounts in transactions.