Overview
This lesson explains two basic ways to ask yes/no questions in Chinese and how to answer them, including common sentence patterns and polite forms.
Method 1: Question Particle "ma"
- Add the interrogative particle "ma" at the end of a statement to form a yes/no question.
- The word order stays the same as in a regular statement.
- Example: "Nǐ shì Xiǎo Wáng ma?" means "Are you Xiao Wang?"
Method 2: Positive + Negative Question Pattern
- Use the verb in both positive and negative forms directly after each other to ask a yes/no question (e.g., "shì bù shì").
- "Ma" is not used in this sentence structure.
- Example: "Nǐ shì bú shì Xiǎo Wáng?" means "Are you Xiao Wang (or not)?"
- This form suggests the speaker thinks they may know the answer, but is not sure.
Answering Yes/No Questions
- Repeat the verb from the question in positive or negative form, without using "ma."
- There is no need for words like "yes" or "no" in the answer.
- Example: "Wǒ bú shì Xiǎo Wáng." means "I am not Xiao Wang."
Notes on Names and Politeness
- Chinese names generally have the family name first, followed by the given name.
- To politely ask someone's surname, use "Nín guì xìng?"—"guì" is an honorific meaning "honorable."
- Use "nín" for polite "you," especially with elders, teachers, or superiors.
Pronunciation & Grammar Tips
- The negative word "bù" changes to second tone ("bú") before a fourth-tone word like "shì."
- Chinese lacks articles like "a" or "the" in English.
Key Terms & Definitions
- ma (吗) — interrogative particle added at the end to make yes/no questions.
- shì (是) — means "to be."
- bù (不) — negative word meaning "not."
- Nín (您) — polite form of "you."
- guì (贵) — honorific meaning "honorable," used in polite questions.
- Positive + Negative Pattern — using a verb and its negative form together for questions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice forming questions with both "ma" and the positive/negative pattern.
- Complete exercises filling in "ma" or "bù" and choosing correct answers.
- Review and practice polite forms of address and name questions.