HSK 1
用“吗”提问
yòng “ ma ” tí wèn
Using "吗" to form a question
Explanation
吗 (ma) is an interrogative particle (语气助词 yǔqì zhùcí - a function word expressing mood/tone), placed at the END of a declarative sentence (an ordinary statement, not a question) to turn it into a yes-no question.
Affirmative sentence + 吗 → 他是老师 (he is a teacher) + 吗 = 他是老师吗 (is he a teacher?).
this is the simplest and most common way to ask, used when you want to confirm whether a piece of information is true or false. The answer is usually 是 (shì - yes/right) or 不是 (bú shì - no/not right).
do not use 吗 together with a question word (谁, 什么...) or with an affirmative-negative question (one does not say 他是不是老师吗). Also, beginners often forget the question mark and place 吗 in the wrong spot — 吗 must sit right at the end of the sentence, after all other elements.
Examples
Is he a teacher?
Is this steamed bun tasty?
Practice
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Learn “用“吗”提问” effectively
The grammar point “用“吗”提问” (Using "吗" to form a question) 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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