吧
HSK 1- Modal verbs
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Clause吧
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Modal particle 吧 used to make a suggestion or request in a mild tone, or to express supposition.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
吧 is a sentence-final modal particle that softens tone and conveys friendliness. It has three main uses:
- Suggestion or invitation:
我们走吧！(Let's go!). - Gentle request or command:
你快说吧！(Go ahead and say it quickly!). - Conjecture or confirmation:
你是学生吧？(You're a student, right?). Used when you are fairly certain about something and want the other party to confirm it.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 我们走吧。繁: 我們走吧。Wǒmen zǒu ba.
Let's go.
- 我们喝点儿东西吧。繁: 我們喝點兒東西吧。Wǒmen hē diǎnr dōngxi ba.
Let's have something to drink.
- 你快点儿说吧！繁: 你快點兒說吧！Nǐ kuài diǎnr shuō ba!
Speak up quickly!
- 你是越南人吧？Nǐ shì Yuènánrén ba?
You're Vietnamese, aren't you?
- 好吧，听你的。繁: 好吧，聽你的。Hǎo ba, tīng nǐ de.
Alright, I'll go with your idea.