The Value of Interrogative Pronouns in Chinese 2025
Introduction
Learning how to use interrogative pronouns in Chinese is essential to start conversations. Knowing how to ask questions is one of the first skills you acquire when learning a new language. If you've decided to learn Chinese, you'll want to know how questions are formed.
Ways to use interrogative pronouns in Chinese
One of the most common ways to use interrogative pronouns in Chinese is to ask open-ended questions that are not answered with a simple "yes" or "no."
Use of the particle 吗 (ma)
The particle 吗 (ma) is used in questions whose answer is "yes" or "no" and is placed at the end of the sentence.
Example:
- 你是西班牙人吗?(Nǐ shì xībānyá rén ma?)
- Are you Spanish? (Answer: yes/no)
To answer yes to questions with 吗 (ma), you can use:
- The same verb of the question:
- 你会说西班牙语吗? (Nǐ huì shuō xībānyá yǔ ma?)
- 会 (huì) - Yes (I speak)
- 是的 (shì de):
- 你在家吗? (Nǐ zàijiā ma?)
- 是的 (shì de) - Yes (that's right)
- 对 (duì):
- 你明天上班吗? (Nǐ míngtiān shàngbān ma?)
- 对 (duì) - Yes (correct)
To deny, we use 不 (bù):
Example:
- 你喜欢看电视吗? (Nǐ xǐhuān kàn diànshì ma?)
- 我不喜欢 (wǒ bù xǐhuān) - I don't like it
List of Interrogative Pronouns in Chinese
Interrogative pronouns in Chinese:
| Spanish | Chinese |
|---|---|
| What? | 什么 (shén me) |
| Who? | 谁 (shei) |
| How? | 怎样 (zěn yàng) |
| Where? | 哪里 (nǎ lǐ) |
| Why? | 为什么 (wèi shén me) |
| Which one? | 哪一个 (nǎ yī ge) |
| When? | 什么时候 (shén me shí hòu) |
| How much? | 多少 (duō shao) |
| How many? | 几个 (jǐ ge) |
Practical examples:
- 你姐姐在哪里?(Nǐ jiějie zài nǎlǐ?)
- Where's your sister?
- 这是什么?(Zhè shì shén me?)
- What is this?
- 你今天做了什么菜?Nǐ jīntiān zuòle shénme cài?
- What did you cook today? | In the context of Chinese cooking
- 你能帮我吗?(Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma?)
- Can you help me?
- 这个多少钱?(Zhè ge duō shǎo qián?)
- How much does this cost?
Conclusion
At Hanyu Chinese School we will be happy to help you learn more about how to ask questions in Chinese or any topic that interests you. Studying this fascinating language can open many doors for you. Contact us and don't forget to ask for your free class!
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