Answers:
1. C 2. A 3. B
Zhè dào shùxué tí nǐ huì zuò ma?
#1 这道数学题你会做吗?
Can you do this math problem?
(Yes-no questions with “ma”)
The particle “吗 (ma)” is a simple way to form questions in Chinese. By placing “吗 (ma)” after a statement it can be converted into a yes-no question.
Nǐ xǐhuān chī dàngāo ma?
你喜欢吃蛋糕吗？
Do you like eating cake?
Zhè dào shùxué tí zěnme zuò ne?
#2 这道数学题怎么做呢?
How do you do this math problem?
(Questions with “ne”)
The particle “呢 (ne)” can be used to ask reciprocal questions. For example, “我是中国人，你呢？(wǒ shì Zhōngguó rén, nǐ ne?) I’m Chinese. How about you?” And “呢 (ne)” can also be used to form simple questions asking “what …?” or “how …?”
Tā liǎ hézuò huì yǒu shénme yíngxiǎng ne?
他俩合作会有什么影响呢？
What impact will it have on their cooperation?
Zhè dào shùxué tí nǐ zuò bú xiàqù le ba!
#3 这道数学题你做不下去了吧!
You must be stuck on this math problem!
(Softening speech with “ba”)
The particle “吧 (ba)” can be used to soften the tone of a sentence, which could make it more polite, less forceful, or express exclamations or speculations.
Wǒmēn qǐng tā chīfàn ba.
我们请他吃饭吧。
Let’s treat him to dinner.
<<Back to “The Ultimate Chinese Question Everyone Asks, Answered at Last”
Video Lesson: You’re Vivian, Aren’t You? (Part III)
Jennifer’s Grammar Lecture – How Do We Use “吧 (Ba)?” (Intermediate)
Asking Questions with “吗 (Ma),” “呢 (Ne),” or “吧 (Ba)”
HSK Test
General Chinese (Beginner Level)
General Chinese (Intermediate Level)