01 / READExamples
Highlighted words show the grammar pattern. Reveal the English translation when needed.
这辆车到博物馆吗？
Does this bus go to the museum?
The ordinary statement order stays in place.
你们周六有空吗？
Are you free on Saturday?
You can answer 有空 or 没空, repeating the availability phrase.
这个座位有人吗？
Is this seat taken?
Literally, you are asking whether the seat has a person.
02 / UNDERSTANDHow it works
Sentence pattern
To ask a neutral yes–no question, begin with the statement you want to check and add 吗 at the end. You do not need to move the verb or add an equivalent of English “do.” Statements about people, objects, or actions can all become this kind of question.
An answer can repeat the important verb or description. If someone asks whether you have a reservation, you can answer 有 or 没有. If they ask whether you are tired, you can answer 累 or 不累. Chinese has several ways of agreeing, but you do not need to force every answer into one universal word for “yes.”
Use 吗 for a yes–no question. A question that already uses 什么, 谁, or another question word normally does not also need 吗. An affirmative-negative question such as 去不去 is another complete pattern. Keep these basic patterns separate while you are learning them.
COMMON MISTAKESWhat to watch for
Avoid你吗喜欢这个颜色？
Use你喜欢这个颜色吗？
吗 belongs at the end of the complete statement. Do not place it before the verb as if it were the English question word “do.”
03 / PRACTISECheck your understanding
04 / VOCABULARYLesson vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning here |
|---|---|---|
| 博物馆 | bówùguǎn | museum |
| 有空 | yǒu kòng | be free; have time |
| 座位 | zuòwèi | seat |
Choose a Chinese word for dictionary definitions, examples and stroke order. The meanings above are specific to this lesson.
What is in the download?
The TSV contains Chinese words, pinyin and meanings. Import instructions are below.
Written for this website. Levels indicate difficulty, not official HSK placement. The app covers this topic with different wording and exercises.
