// Popular · 10

A-not-A question

HSK 1
  • Questions

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

SubjectVerb/Adjective不Verb/Adjective(Object)?

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

Used to form yes/no questions by repeating the verb or adjective in both affirmative and negative forms.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

This is another way to ask "yes/no" questions instead of using 吗. Simply repeat the verb or adjective with 不 in between to create two opposing choices.

  • With 2-syllable verbs/adjectives (e.g. 喜欢), this can be shortened to AB不A form (e.g. 你喜不喜欢他?).
  • Note: Adverbs such as 很, 都, and 也 cannot be used in this question form.

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 你去不去学校？
    繁: 你去不去學校？Nǐ qù bu qù xuéxiào?

    Are you going to school or not?

  2. 这个苹果甜不甜？
    繁: 這個蘋果甜不甜？Zhège píngguǒ tián bu tián?

    Is this apple sweet?

  3. 你喜欢不喜欢他？
    繁: 你喜歡不喜歡他？Nǐ xǐhuan bu xǐhuan tā?

    Do you like him?

  4. 你们吃不吃饭？
    繁: 你們吃不吃飯？Nǐmen chī bu chī fàn?

    Do you all want to eat?

  5. 明天天气热不热？
    繁: 明天天氣熱不熱？Míngtiān tiānqì rè bu rè?

    Will it be hot tomorrow?