Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
嗎 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
mafinal interrogative particlex, 13 strokes, radical 口, Very Hard
ma(ma5) T5
  1. 1final interrogative particle
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
ma(ma5)

The character 嗎 (ma) is a final interrogative particle used at the end of a sentence to indicate a yes/no question. It transforms a statement into a question, making it an essential part of conversational Mandarin, especially in informal contexts.

Strokes13RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the use of question particles like 嗎 reflects the importance of clarity in communication, especially in everyday conversations where confirmation is often sought.

Memory Tip

Imagine a curious cat meowing 'ma?' at the end of every statement, seeking confirmation. The sound 'ma' flows smoothly, just like how this particle flows into the end of a sentence to turn it into a question.

Meanings of 嗎

ma(ma5)
1final interrogative particle
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 嗎

Simplified
13Strokes
Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 嗎

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 嗎

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a curious cat meowing 'ma?' at the end of every statement, seeking confirmation. The sound 'ma' flows smoothly, just like how this particle flows into the end of a sentence to turn it into a question.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include omitting 嗎 in yes/no questions or using it in questions that do not require it. It is primarily informal, so avoid using it in formal writing or speeches. Remember that it follows the main clause without a pause.

HSK Study Tips

Although 嗎 is not listed in the HSK levels, it is crucial for beginners to grasp as it helps in forming simple questions. Focus on practicing sentence structures that include 嗎 to enhance conversational skills.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the use of question particles like 嗎 reflects the importance of clarity in communication, especially in everyday conversations where confirmation is often sought.

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget to add 嗎 when asking a yes/no question, such as saying '你喜欢这个?' instead of '你喜欢这个嗎?'. Another mistake is using it inappropriately in non-yes/no questions.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 嗎

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 嗎

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 马 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

mouth

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 嗎?

Decomposition of 嗎

IDS Structure⿰口馬
Full Character
=
kou3
left
ma3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 嗎?

Write 嗎

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 嗎

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the use of question particles like 嗎 reflects the importance of clarity in communication, especially in everyday conversations where confirmation is often sought.

Word Family of 嗎

Words Containing This Character3
ma(question particle for "yes-no" questions)
干吗gànmáwhatever for?幹嗎
吗啡morphine (loanword)嗎啡
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 吗 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 嗎

Use 嗎 at the end of a statement when you want it to be a yes/no question.