HSK 3
用疑问语调表示疑问
yòng yí wèn yǔ diào biǎo shì yí wèn
Using questioning intonation to ask a question
Explanation
This is a way of asking a question using only INTONATION (the voice) rising at the end of the sentence, without adding any question word.
keep the declarative sentence (statement) as is + read it with a rising tone at the end. In writing this is shown with a question mark 「？」; the sentence does NOT have 吗 (ma), nor does it reverse the word order.
when you want to confirm a piece of information you're guessing at or express surprise (今天是星期六？ = Today is Saturday?). Usually used in colloquial, informal speech.
This question does NOT have 吗; if you add 吗 (你去旅行吗？) it becomes an ordinary neutral question, whereas using intonation alone carries a tone of doubt, surprise, or a need for confirmation.
Vietnamese learners often add both 吗 and a questioning intonation at once, or reverse the word order like in Vietnamese — there's no need; just raising the tone at the end of the sentence is enough.
Examples
Today is Saturday?
You're planning to go traveling?
Practice
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Learn “用疑问语调表示疑问” effectively
The grammar point “用疑问语调表示疑问” (Using questioning intonation to ask a question) is one of the key structures at HSK 3. 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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