Meanings of 反问
By ear
Play it, then pick what 反问 means.
About 反问
Podcast: 反问
Podcast: 反问
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 反问
反驳 (fǎnbó) is used when directly countering or rebutting an argument, while 反问 (fǎnwèn) involves responding with a question to provoke thought, not necessarily countering the argument directly.
Be cautious of using 反问 in overly formal contexts, as it may come off as confrontational. Common collocations include 反问句 (rhetorical question) and 以问反问 (to answer a question with a question). Remember that the tone of your voice can impact how your rhetorical question is received, so use it judiciously.
As an HSK 6 word, 反问 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to debate and dialogue. Students should focus on practicing its usage in various contexts, especially in argumentative speech or writing, to understand its effectiveness.
Learners often misuse 反问 by responding with a statement instead of another question. For instance, saying '这是不可能的' (That's impossible) instead of a question like '你真这么认为吗?' (Do you really think so?) misses the essence of 反问.
Pronunciation of 反问
Drill the tone of 反问, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 反问 to you
Let me explain 反问 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 反问 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 反问?
Learning Lab
Knowing 反问 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say to ask (a question) in reply in Chinese
“to ask (a question) in reply” in Chinese is反问
反问 (fǎn wèn) refers to the act of responding to a question with another question, often used to emphasize a point or to provoke thought. It is commonly employed in rhetorical contexts to challenge the original question or to highlight absurdities in the question itself. This technique is prevalent in debates and discussions to reinforce one's argument.
When to use 反问
Be cautious of using 反问 in overly formal contexts, as it may come off as confrontational. Common collocations include 反问句 (rhetorical question) and 以问反问 (to answer a question with a question). Remember that the tone of your voice can impact how your rhetorical question is received, so use it judiciously.
反问 or something close to it
反驳 (fǎnbó) is used when directly countering or rebutting an argument, while 反问 (fǎnwèn) involves responding with a question to provoke thought, not necessarily countering the argument directly.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 反问 by responding with a statement instead of another question. For instance, saying '这是不可能的' (That's impossible) instead of a question like '你真这么认为吗?' (Do you really think so?) misses the essence of 反问.
Write 反问
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 反问 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 反问
反问 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
“这些孩子知道他们有多幸运吗？”杰克逊____道。
"Do these kids know how lucky they are?" Jackson asked rhetorically.
Example sentences for 反问 (6)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 反问?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 反问
In Western cultures, rhetorical questions are also used, but they may not carry the same weight of challenging authority as they do in Chinese contexts, where questioning can be seen as a form of respect and engagement.
Frequently asked questions about 反问
You can say, '你为什么这么想？难道你不觉得反问很重要吗？' (Why do you think that? Don't you think asking back is important?)
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 反问?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.