HSK 1
疑问句
yí wèn jù
Questions in Chinese
Explanation
Interrogative sentences (疑问句 yíwèn jù) are sentences used to ask questions. Chinese has four main types.
1. Yes-no question (是非问句): a declarative sentence (an ordinary statement, not a question) + 吗 (ma) at the end → 他是老师吗 (is he a teacher?). 2. Wh-question (特指问句): use a question word such as 谁 (shéi - who), 什么 (shénme - what), 哪儿 (nǎr - where), placed exactly at the position of the element being asked about, WITHOUT adding 吗. 3. Alternative question (选择问句): use 还是 (háishì - or) to link two choices → 是老师还是医生 (is he a teacher or a doctor?). 4. Affirmative-negative question (正反问句): repeat the verb/adjective in affirmative + negative form → 冷不冷 (cold or not), 喝不喝 (drink or not).
using 吗 together with a question word (wrong: 你想买什么吗); and in an alternative question, not using 或者 (huòzhě - used in statements) but instead using 还是.
Examples
（1）是非问句(1) Yes-no question (a yes-or-no question)
Is he a teacher?
Is it hot there now?
（2）特指问句(2) Wh-question (asking about a specific point)
Who is going to the bookstore with you?
What do you want to buy?
（3）选择问句(3) Alternative question
Is your father a teacher or a doctor?
Are you going by train or by plane?
（4）正反问句(4) Affirmative-negative question (affirmative - negative)
Do you drink milk (or not)?
Have you had breakfast (or not)?
Have you had breakfast yet?
Is it cold today (or not)?
Is this room clean (or not)?
Practice
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Learn “疑问句” effectively
The grammar point “疑问句” (Questions in Chinese) is one of the key structures at HSK 1. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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