吗
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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)
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Character focus
Stroke order
Word relationships
Related words
4 itemsparticle 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.
bar (loanword) (serving drinks, or providing Internet access etc)
Both are sentence-final particles, but 吗 marks questions while 吧 suggests assumption or suggestion.
interjection of surprise
Both are sentence-final particles, but 吗 is specifically for questions while 啊 softens tone or expresses exclamation.
(modal particle indicating suggestion or surmise)
Both are sentence-final particles. 吗 turns a statement into a yes-no question, while 吧 suggests probability or seeks agreement.
Usage notes
Common mistakes
Do not use 吗 in wh-questions (e.g., 什么, 谁). Use 呢 or no particle instead.
Formality
吗 is neutral and used in both spoken and written Chinese. In very formal writing, rhetorical questions may omit it.
Grammar
Guides that feature 吗
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A declarative sentence (陈述句) tells a fact in normal word order and ends with 。; make it negative with 不 or 没, and add 吗 to turn it into a question.
Use 不是……吗 to remind someone of a fact, insist on it, or show surprise when things don’t match what you expected.
Use 难道……吗？ to show surprise or disbelief, as in 难道你不知道吗？ “Surely you know?”
Hear how tiny final particles change a sentence from question to suggestion, update, softness, or casual emphasis.
Turn a normal sentence into a yes-or-no question without changing the word order.
Pick the right question shape for open yes-or-no questions and direct choices.
Example Sentences
5 shown你是学生 吗 ？
你是老师 吗 ？
难道你忘了 吗 ？
喂，你好 吗 ？
你有什么问题 吗 ？
AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.
Words Containing 吗
see 幹嘛|干嘛[gàn má]
isn't that so?
manna (Israelite food)
morpholine (chemistry) (loanword)
morphine (loanword)
have you eaten? (friendly greeting)
is this seat taken?
do you have any other questions?
do you understand?
can you help me for a moment?
are you there?
can you make it a bit cheaper?