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)
Stop forgetting what you study.
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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
Jump into a full guide with fill-in-the-blank drills. Clicking will load the page and move you to the top.
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.