正反疑问(V不V) zhèngfǎn yíwèn

正反疑问(V不V)(zhèngfǎn yíwèn)means “Affirmative-negative question: V 不 V? — an alternative to 吗”. Repeat the verb (or adjective) in its positive and negative form to ask a yes/no question: 你去不去. Formation: 动词/形容词 + 不 + 动词/形容词(肯定+否定并列提问)

Affirmative-negative question: V 不 V? — an alternative to 吗

HSK1

Formation

动词/形容词 + 不 + 动词/形容词(肯定+否定并列提问)

Explanation

Repeat the verb (or adjective) in its positive and negative form to ask a yes/no question: 你去不去? 'Are you going?', 是不是? 'is it or isn't it?'. It means the same as adding 吗, but don't use both together. The middle 不 is toneless here (qù bu qù).

Examples

去不去
nǐ qù bu qù?
Are you going (or not)?
这个 是不是 你的?
zhège shì bu shì nǐ de?
Is this yours (or not)?

Note

Don't combine with 吗. Middle 不 is neutral tone 'bu'.

FAQ

正反疑问(V不V) — what does it mean and how is it used?

Affirmative-negative question: V 不 V? — an alternative to 吗. Repeat the verb (or adjective) in its positive and negative form to ask a yes/no question: 你去不去? 'Are you going?', 是不是? 'is it or isn't it?'. It means the same as adding 吗, but don't use both together. The middle 不 is toneless here (qù bu qù).

正反疑问(V不V) — how do you form it?

动词/形容词 + 不 + 动词/形容词(肯定+否定并列提问)

正反疑问(V不V) — any usage notes?

Don't combine with 吗. Middle 不 is neutral tone 'bu'.

Related grammar

Learn in the app →