Difference between revisions of "Tag questions with "ma""
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− | As well as [[Yes-no questions with "ma"|yes / no questions]], you can also form tag questions with 吗 (ma). Tag questions are quick questions that are tagged on the end of a sentence to ask for confirmation. In English, this is often done with "right?", or | + | As well as [[Yes-no questions with "ma"|yes / no questions]], you can also form tag questions with 吗 (ma). Tag questions are quick questions that are tagged on the end of a sentence to ask for confirmation. In English, this is often done with "right?", or negatively with "isn't it?" |
The easiest way to do this in Chinese is to add some kind of confirmation word and 吗 (ma) on the end of the sentence. | The easiest way to do this in Chinese is to add some kind of confirmation word and 吗 (ma) on the end of the sentence. | ||
− | == | + | === Structure === |
A you can see below, the pattern typically involves words like 好 (hǎo), 对 (duì), 是 (shì), or 可以 (kěyǐ), followed by 吗 (ma). | A you can see below, the pattern typically involves words like 好 (hǎo), 对 (duì), 是 (shì), or 可以 (kěyǐ), followed by 吗 (ma). | ||
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By placing these on the end of a sentence, you can soften a suggestion or request confirmation. | By placing these on the end of a sentence, you can soften a suggestion or request confirmation. | ||
− | == Examples == | + | === Examples === |
<div class="liju"> | <div class="liju"> |
Revision as of 07:37, 24 June 2015
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As well as yes / no questions, you can also form tag questions with 吗 (ma). Tag questions are quick questions that are tagged on the end of a sentence to ask for confirmation. In English, this is often done with "right?", or negatively with "isn't it?"
The easiest way to do this in Chinese is to add some kind of confirmation word and 吗 (ma) on the end of the sentence.
Structure
A you can see below, the pattern typically involves words like 好 (hǎo), 对 (duì), 是 (shì), or 可以 (kěyǐ), followed by 吗 (ma).
……, 好 / 对 / 是 / 可以 + 吗?
By placing these on the end of a sentence, you can soften a suggestion or request confirmation.
Examples
- 我们 喝 茶 , 好 吗 ? Let's drink some tea, OK?
- 我们 去 咖啡 店 , 好 吗 ? Let's go to the cafe, OK?
- 你 喜欢 他 , 是 吗 ? You like him, don't you?
- 去 吃 中国 菜 , 好 吗 ? We are going to go to eat Chinese food, OK?
- 他 是 你 哥哥 , 对 吗 ? He is your older brother, right?
- 她 不 知道 , 对 吗 ? She doesn't know, right?
- 这样 做 , 对 吗 ? Like this, right?
- 你 没有 来 过 , 是 吗 ? You haven't been here, right?
- 给 我们 米饭 , 可以 吗 ? Give us some rice, OK?
- 妈妈 , 我 要 吃 巧克力 , 可以 吗 ? Mom, I want to eat chocolate, may I?
See also
Sources and Further Reading
- Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 144-145) →buy
- New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 218) →buy
- Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (p. 106) →buy