吗ma

Yes/No question with 吗 (ma)

Meaning: Question particle for yes/no questions

Pattern

吗 (ma) is a modal particle pronounced in the neutral tone (qīngshēng).
It has no lexical meaning of its own, but serves a vital grammatical function: turning any declarative statement into a yes/no question.
The formula is extremely simple: take any statement and add 吗 at the end.
For example: 你是学生 (You are a student) → 你是学生吗?
(Are you a student?).
他喝茶 (He drinks tea) → 他喝茶吗?

•吗 is pronounced in the neutral tone. Do not combine with question words (谁/什么/哪儿...).

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

•Using 吗 together with a question word: WRONG 你叫什么吗? → RIGHT 你叫什么?

•Pronouncing 吗 with the 3rd tone instead of the neutral tone.

Combine Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Practice, Listening, Hanzi Writing, and Mock Exams at HSK 1 to master all skills together.