反问

fǎn wèn

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 7 Verb Rare

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Definitions

1. to ask (a question) in reply
2. to answer a question with a question
3. rhetorical question

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Word relationships

Related words

1 item

• 反问句 fǎn wèn jù 反问句 fǎn wèn jù rhetorical question 反问 means a rhetorical question; 反问句 is the noun form referring to a rhetorical question sentence.: rhetorical question

Synonyms

1 item

• 诘问 jié wèn 诘问 jié wèn to ask questions Both mean to question or interrogate, but 诘问 is more formal and implies demanding an explanation.: to ask questions

Usage notes

Collocations

Commonly used as 反问一句 (to retort with a question) or 用反问的语气 (in a rhetorical tone).

Common mistakes

反问 is often misused as a straightforward 'ask back' like '反问一个问题'. It specifically implies a rhetorical or retaliatory question, not simply asking in return.

Example Sentences

1 shown

他 反问 了我一个问题。

He asked me a question in reply.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 反问

• 反问句 反问句 fǎn wèn jù: rhetorical question
• 反问语气 反问语气 fǎn wèn yǔ qì: tone of one's voice when asking a rhetorical question

Child Words of 反问

• 反 反 fǎn: contrary
• 问 问 wèn: to ask; to inquire