Learn how to form questions in Chinese using question words with consistent word order
Chinese Question Words
Chinese uses specific question words to ask about different types of information. Unlike English, Chinese maintains the same word order in both questions and answers.
Key Difference from English
English: Question word order differs from answer word order.
Chinese: Question and answer have identical word order.
The question word appears in the exact same position as the answer word would.
Important Rule: No 吗 Needed
When using question words, do not add 吗 (ma) at the end of the sentence.
The question word itself makes it a question, so 吗 is unnecessary and incorrect.
Question Word as Subject
When the question word serves as the subject of the sentence (the doer of the action), it appears at the beginning of the sentence.
Sentence Structure Diagram
Who/What performs the action
Action + Thing acted upon
Example with Question & Answer
| Type | Chinese | English Translation | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Question |
谁吃苹果？
|
Who eats apples? | |
| Answer |
我吃苹果。
|
I eat apples. |
More Examples
Question Word as Object
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Question Word as Modifier
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Practice Exercises
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