grammar

to list the grammar points by HSK level

ID: 208
compare: 210
HSK: 2
format: Verb + 不 + Verb +?
example: 他们 来 不 来 ？
details: this pattern is called 正反问句 (zhèng-fǎn wènjù) and is a common way to form questions in Chinese. It is to first use a verb in the positive, then repeat the same verb in its negative form, similar to how in English we can say, "Do you have money or not?" or "Have you or have you not been to the park?" This sentence pattern feels a lot more natural in Chinese than those admittedly awkward English equivalents.
exception: Note that the question provides the listener with both possible answers: it's either "Verb" or "不 (bù) Verb." The verb 有 (yǒu) is negated with 没 (méi) and not 不 (bù),
keyword: [不]
class: h,d
short:
long:
answer:
question:
theme:
Tags: