Definition
吗 (ma) is a question particle added to the end of a statement to form a yes-no question. It's the simplest way to ask a question in Chinese—just put it after a sentence.
particle
(question particle) used to form yes-no questions
Easily confused
- 骂màlook-aliketo scold, to curse, to abuse
- 嘛masound-alike(modal particle) marks a statement as obvious or self-evident, used in explanations and gentle suggestions
- 码mǎlook-alike(classifier) yard (unit of length)
- 马mǎsound-alikehorse
- 码mǎsound-aliketo stack, to pile up
- 麻másound-alikenumb, tingling (from lack of circulation or spicy food)
- 麻másound-alikehemp, flax (plant or fiber)
Examples
- 吗？Nǐ shì Zhōngguó rén ma?Are you Chinese?
- 吗？Tā jīntiān lái ma?Is he coming today?
- 吗？Nǐ xǐhuan píngguǒ ma?Do you like apples?
Grammar
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