Definition
试问 is a formal, rhetorical expression used at the start of a question to suggest the answer is obvious or to challenge the listener. It translates roughly to 'may we ask' or 'I'd like to ask', but carries a tone of persuasion or argumentation. You'll mainly find it in speeches, essays, or debates — not everyday conversation.
f.e.
(formal, rhetorical) may we askI'd like to ask (used to preface a rhetorical question)
Examples
- 试问，？shì wèn, zhèyàng de zuòfǎ gōngpíng ma?May we ask, is this practice fair?
- 试问，？shì wèn, shéi bù xiǎng yào yí ge měihǎo de wèilái ne?I ask you, who doesn't want a bright future?
- 试问，，？shì wèn, zài rúcǐ jiānnán de tiáojiàn xià, hái yǒu bié de xuǎnzé ma?May we ask, under such difficult conditions, is there another choice?
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