EN
Do not use 吗 in wh-questions (e.g., 什么, 谁). Use 呢 or no particle instead.
吗
ma
HSK 2.0 Level 1
HSK 3.0 Level 1
Common
#15
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This word has multiple dictionary entries. Choose the reading or usage you want to review.
Definitions
- 1. (question particle for \yes-no\ questions)
Related vocabulary
Related words
3 items呢
ne
particle indicating that a previously asked question is to be applied to the preceding word (\What about ...?\, \And ...?\)
Both are sentence-final particles, but 吗 marks yes-no questions while 呢 is used for follow-up or reciprocal questions.
吧
bā
bar (loanword) (serving drinks, or providing Internet access etc)
Both are sentence-final particles, but 吗 marks questions while 吧 suggests assumption or suggestion.
啊
ā
interjection of surprise
Both are sentence-final particles, but 吗 is specifically for questions while 啊 softens tone or expresses exclamation.
Usage notes
Common mistakes
Formality
EN
吗 is neutral and used in both spoken and written Chinese. In very formal writing, rhetorical questions may omit it.
Example Sentences
10 shown是 吗 ？
你好 吗 ？
How are you?
Source:
Deepseek
你好 吗 ？
How are you?
Source:
Deepseek
你好 吗 ？
How are you?
Source:
Deepseek
你好 吗 ？
How are you?
Source:
Deepseek
你好 吗 ？
How are you?
Source:
Deepseek
你好 吗 ？
How are you?
Source:
Deepseek
你好 吗 ？
How are you?
Source:
Deepseek
你好 吗 ？
How are you?
Source:
Deepseek
你好 吗 ？
How are you?
Source:
Deepseek
Sentence data courtesy of Tatoeba.org.