Non-Interrogative Use of Question Pronouns
疑问代词的非疑问用法
Use question words like 谁, 什么, 哪儿, 怎么 in non-question contexts to express universal reference, indefinite reference, and correlative patterns
Question pronouns in Chinese can be used outside of questions with three major functions: (1) universal reference with 都/也 meaning "everyone/everything/everywhere," (2) correlative patterns where two identical question words create "whatever...then..." meanings, and (3) indefinite reference meaning "someone/something/somewhere."
This is one of the most important and frequently tested grammar points at HSK 3. English learners often struggle because English does not use question words this way.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Non-Interrogative Use of Question Pronouns (疑问代词的非疑问用法)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 疑问代词的非疑问用法 pattern
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Understanding 疑问代词的非疑问用法
You already know question words like 谁 (who), 什么 (what), 哪儿 (where), 怎么 (how), and 什么时候 (when). But in Chinese, these words have a secret superpower — they can be used in statements, not just questions. There are three major non-question uses. First, the universal pattern: 谁都 means "everyone," 什么都 means "everything," 哪儿都 means "everywhere." Adding 都 or 也 turns the question word into a universal pronoun. Second, the correlative pattern: repeating a question word in both clauses creates a "whatever...then..." structure — 想吃什么吃什么 means "eat whatever you want to eat." Third, the indefinite pattern: a question word can mean "someone/something" vaguely — 我好像在哪儿见过你 means "I think I've seen you somewhere." These patterns are extremely common in natural Chinese and mastering them will be a major leap forward in your fluency.
Key Points
- Universal (任指): QW + 都/也 = "all/every." 谁都知道 = "Everyone knows." 什么都没有 = "There is nothing."
- With 也 in negative sentences: 谁也不知道 = "Nobody knows." 哪儿也没去 = "Didn't go anywhere."
- Correlative (QW...QW): the same question word in both clauses. 你想去哪儿就去哪儿 = "Go wherever you want."
- Correlative with different subjects: 谁想来谁来 = "Whoever wants to come, let them come."
- Indefinite (不定指): QW used vaguely. 我好像在哪儿见过你 = "I think I've seen you somewhere."
- Indefinite often appears with 好像, 大概, 要是, or suggestion contexts.
- The question word 怎么 in the universal pattern: 你怎么做都行 = "However you do it is fine."
The phrase 随便吃，想吃什么吃什么 is something you will hear constantly from Chinese hosts. It is a warm invitation meaning "Help yourself — eat whatever you like." Chinese hospitality emphasizes making guests feel free and comfortable, and these correlative patterns are a natural way to express that generosity.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
谁都喜欢她。
Everyone likes her.
Universal: 谁 + 都
我吃什么都行。
I'm fine with eating anything.
你什么时候来都可以。
You can come anytime.
我哪儿都没去过。
I haven't been anywhere.
Universal with negative
想吃什么吃什么。
Eat whatever you want to eat.
Correlative pattern
你怎么做，我就怎么做。
However you do it, I'll do it the same way.
谁想参加比赛谁就报名。
Whoever wants to enter the competition should sign up.
我好像在哪儿见过你。
I think I've seen you somewhere.
Indefinite use
Common Mistakes
都 must come after the question word and before the verb, not after the verb. The pattern is: QW + 都 + VP.
都 always comes right after the question word, before the negative. The pattern is: QW + 都 + 没/不 + V.
In the correlative pattern, the question word appears in the same grammatical position in each clause. The verb goes before the question word: 想吃什么就吃什么.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
The easiest way to remember: QW + 都 turns any question word into "every-" (everyone, everything, everywhere, anytime).
For the correlative pattern, think of it as copy-paste: the same question word, in the same slot, in two parallel clauses.
The indefinite use sounds natural with 好像 (seems like) — try it: 我好像在哪儿听过这首歌。
Practice with 都 and 也: in positive sentences, use 都; in negative sentences, 也 is more common (谁也不知道).
Homework
Write three sentences for each pattern: (1) three universal sentences using different question words + 都, (2) three correlative sentences using the QW...QW pattern, and (3) three indefinite sentences using a question word with 好像 or 大概.